Aldermen at odds over artificial turf

Questions are mounting among some aldermen over covering three playing fields at Newton South High School with synthetic turf.

The mayor's $4.5 million plan for installing 5 acres of artificial turf is running up against worries expressed by board members about the price tag and possible adverse environmental effects.

"I say we can plant a lot of grass for $4.5 million," said Alderman Anthony Salvucci. "I think there's other good uses for that money."

An unofficial poll of the 24 aldermen last week showed five against the synthetic turf or leaning strongly toward a no vote, and three for it or considering a yes vote. Nine were undecided, and five could not be reached for comment. Two aldermen proposed an alternate plan, installing a single artificial field at both of Newton's high schools.

All 19 aldermen reached by telephone said the turf's cost is too high, particularly in the face of the city's competing needs, and nine said they wanted more answers about ecological issues. "I don't think anybody's done the work," said Alderwoman Susan Albright.

Several members praised Alderman Paul Coletti , the Finance Committee chairman, for his stand against taking up the measure until the mayor offers a plan to fix deteriorating fire stations.

Mayor David B. Cohen sponsored a proposal last year to underwrite the synthetic turf with Community Preservation Act funds, which are raised by a 1 percent surcharge on property taxes and supplemented with a state matching contribution.

When that idea didn't fly, Cohen proposed paying for it out of the general fund. Because the money would come from a municipal bond, approval would require the support of 16 aldermen.

Critics say that the turf -- made of polyethylene fibers simulating grass and stabilized with rubber pellets -- causes environmental problems. They say heat reflected from the surface could contribute to global warming, and toxins in the turf and cleaning products could leach into water supplies. In the case of Newton South, they expressed worry about drainage into the nearby Charles River.

Cohen, athletic coaches, and the synthetic turf industry said the durable surface allows for a longer playing season and requires less upkeep than grass. They note that maintaining grass presents its own environmental problems -- fertilizers, pesticides, and exhaust from mowers.

Alderman Kenneth Parker favors the artificial turf, and colleagues Mitchell Fischman and Christine Snow Samuelson are leaning in the same direction.

Samuelson said "there needs to be a solution" for South High athletes. "As far as I know right now, that's the best one."

Joining Salvucci against it is Ted Hess-Mahan. George Mansfield and Leslie Burg said they were leaning toward voting no.

Burg said she is "really not happy about putting plastic all over what is not just a school but a community recreation area. I'm old-fashioned. I like grass."

Connie Paige can be reached at cpaige@globe.com.