Former Nabisco tower to be imploded in April; neighbors remain concerned about damage and health

The former Nabisco plant tower will be imploded on April 15. Neighbors are worried about home damage and air quality

Matt Trapani and Chris Keating

Mar 10, 2023, 10:33 PM

Updated 705 days ago

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Officials have agreed on a date to implode the former Nabisco plant in Fair Lawn.
The famous Nabisco tower will come down on April 15, but those who live near the tower say they are scared that their homes will be damaged.
“I live right there. Are they going to cover my home? Are they going to protect my home?” asks Denise Colaitis.
Colaitis lives in the Iris Circle development in Glen Rock. It is located right next to the 39-acre Nabisco property. She says she has been closely watching the demolition.
There are concerns about asbestos in the air. Colaitis says she has already covered her windows with plastic while waiting for officials from Glen Rock and Fair Lawn to answer some of her questions.
"How long will we be evacuated for? I don't know where are we going. We don't know,” she says.
Demolition crews have been pulling the factory apart for the last seven weeks. The planned implosion will finish off the tower in one shot. Then there will only be cleanup left.
The building opened in 1958 and for years filled the air with the scent of Oreos and crackers being baked inside.
The development company is telling residents that abatement of asbestos in the building is taking place and that the air quality is being monitored. However, concerned neighbors want to see the data proving they're safe living in and being outside of their homes.
Some residents, like Colaitis, have been offered an inspection of the interior of their homes. This way they can go back and see if there is any damage. It's not clear when these residents may have their questions answered.