On Wednesday, the Board of Commissioners joined Congressman Donald Norcross as he presented the Borough of Gibbsboro with a check for $750,000 to continue the redevelopment of the Paint Works superfund sites surrounding Silver Lake and specifically to transform the former John Lucas House into an event space.
From the mid-1800s to 1978, the John Lucas Company and later the Sherwin-Williams Company, operated a paint manufacturing facility at this site. Years of direct waste discharge into Hilliards Creek and other factors led to widespread soil, sediment, surface water, and groundwater contamination, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. On Aug. 30, a major environmental remediation project began at the site of the former factory which is expected to last around 12 months.
“The newest remediation project just continues the concerted effort to correct the decades of environmental degradation that has plagued this area,” Commissioner Melinda Kane said. “And now, with $750,000 of federal funds secured by our congressman, we can transform this area into something beautiful and safe for residents to enjoy. We are very excited to see this revitalization effort continue and cannot wait to see the finished product.”
The funds to transform the former John Lucas House will assist in lead paint remediation, barrier free access, the construction of a kitchen and restrooms and repair structural deficiencies. Once completed, the venue will host private and municipal events on Silver Lake.
Additionally, the revitalization of this area includes the construction of 163 townhomes, which are set to break ground in early 2025, and the transfer of three lakefront lots to the Borough to redevelop into a lakefront restaurant district.