Building homes on smelter site

"...When it comes to talking about the land, prospective buyers are fully informed that Belmonte Heights sits on the former Asarco smelter site.

"We have full disclosure," Snyder said.

The area was home to a smelter that operated in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, spewing arsenic that polluted much of the soil. [arsenic is odorless and tasteless; any amount is thought to be harmful according to experts that study it on the cellular level...] That soil had to be cleaned up to Department of Ecology standards when the Everett Housing Authority bought the land from Asarco LLC, a subsidiary of Grupo Mexico SA, in 2004. The City of Everett helped with the cleanup and Dye bought the seven acres for $3.2 million.

Snyder said that some people are familiar with the history when they come to view the homes.

Belmonte Heights has welcomed people of all ages, including seniors who are buying down. Part of that draw could be the lower maintenance.

"It has a lot to do with the quality," Snyder said.

With wainscoting and tile standard in the homes and wide open spaces and views outside, first-time homebuyers looking for a roomy new home can find something from $263,990 to $334,990. The largest home is more than 2,100 square feet."
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20070715/BIZ/707150325