March 9th, 2006

The development of a shopping center in Milford has been put on hold due to a problem with naturally occurring asbestos. The Milford Crossing Shopping Center project will be delayed after being shut down temporarily, as the site – on which green serpentine marble was once quarried – has been found to be the source of naturally occurring asbestos, which can be carcinogenic through exposure.

It has been noted that the asbestos has been present all along, but problems began when construction workers that were developing the shopping center had to start grinding the rock onsite, stated a health department official. He stated: "When this material is ground up or subjected to blasting, there is a possibility of it becoming airborne, which could present a health hazard."

John Ceruzzi of Fairfield is the developer for the project. After the problems came to light, he then organized for the material to be safely handled by hiring an expert and consulting with him to devise a plan with regards to handling the asbestos.

A health official spokesman stated: We are working cooperatively with the developer and his representatives." It is hoped that the problem will be resolved as quickly as possible so that the project can continue.