Turf battle in Hastings: Parents challenge school over PFAS concerns
A heated debate is growing in Hastings-on-Hudson over the installation of new artificial turf athletic fields, with some residents accusing the school district of breaking a promise to keep the project free of harmful chemicals.
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A heated debate is growing in Hastings-on-Hudson over the installation of new artificial turf athletic fields, with some residents accusing the school district of breaking a promise to keep the project free of harmful chemicals.
Last spring, voters approved a bond measure to install artificial turf fields in the district by a narrow margin of 72 votes. Supporters, including student-athletes, said the project would increase playing time and improve athletic performance.
“We helped advocate for this bond because we saw that over 90% of student-athletes wanted turf at Hastings,” said Hastings student-athlete Rob Jenneman.
But some parents are now pushing back, arguing the district is not following through on earlier commitments that the turf would contain no PFAS — often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment and human body.
News 12 verified that school board materials promoting the bond included language stating the turf would contain no PFAS. A group of Hastings residents has since filed a petition with the New York State Education Department seeking to halt installation, which is scheduled to begin June 1.
Hastings Schools Superintendent William McKersie says the district has remained transparent and is installing turf with no PFAS intentionally added by the manufacturer.
Opponents, including environmental advocates, argue any level of PFAS exposure is concerning and worry chemicals could leach into nearby wetlands.
Parents who supported the bond say voters made their decision and the project should move forward.
A hearing before the New York State Education Department is expected to take place next week.
