One recently discussed project that makes sense for the city of Dunkirk involves a proposal that was put forth last month. During a Dunkirk Common Council Economic Development Committee meeting, Arthur Page talked about senior housing at the former Marsh Valve site on Brigham Road.

Page envisions three apartment buildings, each with eight two-bedroom housing units. The parcel abuts railroad tracks, but Page said the buildings would be placed as far from them as possible. He spoke of putting “significant money into landscaping to try to buffer the sound.”

The Dunkirk Local Development Corp. has marketed the site since 2023. Marsh Valve occupied a building there from 1941 to 1994. Its activities contaminated the site, and underground tanks and fouled soil were removed when the building was demolished in 2002. The state Department of Environmental Conservation classified the site as safe in 2003.

Page plans to present plans soon but because of concerns tied to the previous owner, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is supposed to give its nod to any development. That means an additional layer that could delay efforts.

In any event, additional housing is needed in the north county. This is one initiative worth pursuing.