Locals share effects from Sharon Woods Park construction

SHARONVILLE, Ohio (WKRC) – Dust coming from the site of construction at one local park caused concerns for the neighbors.

This was all part of major construction being done at Sharon Woods Park.

“I guess eventually it will come off the roof,” said Ron Peake.

Cleaning products sat right next to the pool toys in Peake’s backyard.

“We had some really bad clouds where you couldn’t, my neighbor across the street couldn’t see our house,” said Peake.

A cloud of dust was seen coming from the construction at Sharon Lake and moving into and onto the homes on Golden Hill Drive next door.

“It’s on my roof, I mean it’s everywhere. There isn’t any place that escapes it,” said Peake.

It’s lime dust coming from where crews are dredging Sharon Lake, and it’s covering everything.

“It’s almost impossible to clean, back here this has been pressure washed and scrubbed just six inches at a time,” said Peake.

Neighbors spent countless hours trying to clean the dust off of everything from pool toys to back decks.

“My neighbors have all been coming together trying to figure out what finally works on this, it does not come off with regular scrubbing and soapy water,” said Holly Schlaack.

As the cleanup continued, neighbors were concerned about what was in the air.

“When you’re in a cloud of dust, when you can’t see across the street, there’s nothing that you’re breathing that’s healthy,” said Peake.

Great Parks of Hamilton County CEO Todd Palmeter said the products used by the contractors are a mixture of lime kiln dust and quick lime.

Great Parks said the dust is non-toxic and is used to stabilize soil.

“The air was absolutely terrible to breathe. I could barely breathe at all, I just pulled my car right into the garage and came into the house,” said Schlaack.

Palmer said the contractor’s been told to stop mixing the lime until they get a new plan to control the dust.

“We’re not looking to stop this from happening, we love our lake and our park, and want it finished,” said Peake.

The project was expected to wrap up next fall.

Palmer said they’re going to have to take a look at that timeline once the new plan is put in place.