(09/26/06) MANVILLE ? Leaders in Manville are trying to tear down an environmental hazard, but stalling on the part of storeowners could endanger the project.

Residents say they are tired of looking at the rundown Rustic Mall, which was built in the 1950s. Only three stores remain in the complex, which leaders would like to level as part of a major redevelopment project. Manville Mayor Angelo Corradino says the mall is not only an eyesore, it?s a health hazard to residents. The land is a superfund site polluted with the carcinogen creosote.

The mall must come down for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to complete its cleanup. However, the three remaining stores don?t seem to be in a hurry to move out. Some think they?re holding out for a better offer. Corradino now fears the stubborn stores could force the EPA to pull out of the project. In a move to speed up the process, the City Council voted Monday to condemn the mall to force the tenants out.