An East New York White Castle that’s been slinging burgers since 1958 is set to be demolished this fall, and locals are sad to see the fast food joint go — despite a buffet of toxins beneath the building.
Real estate firm Empire Management has filed permits for two eight-story buildings, featuring commercial space and 198 apartments, at the Atlantic Avenue lot. In anticipation of the project, an environmental consultant commissioned by the site’s developers took samples of the land below the burger joint, known for its 30-slider “crave cases.” The results: an assortment of toxic chemicals in the groundwater and soil, including carcinogens, pesticides and metals like lead and mercury.
The assessment found the toxins were at high enough levels to require the developer to take steps to avoid contaminating the surrounding community, city records show…