Aggregate hires consultant on closure

PEABODY-Aggregate Industries surprised City Councilors Thursday night with a potential giant step toward closure – the company announced they have hired a private consultant to guide them in making the right decision.?In order to be successful in this role, (the person) has to be an independent third party,” said Scott Colby of Aggregate.The person the company has chosen to hire is Bob Cummings, a professional engineer out of Marion, Mass. who was heavily involved with the Big Dig project, as well as the closing of Quincy Quarry. Residents and members of the Aggregate Closure Committee will have a chance to meet with Cummings as early as next week, said Councilor Barry Sinewitz.Councilor Ted Bettencourt, Jr. showed his support for the company?s initiative.?I didn?t hold much hope for progress (tonight),” he said, adding that he?s pleased with the news. “It?ll be nice to have that expertise to work with.”Bettencourt later said that hiring the consultant would be a positive move for all parties involved.?It?s a win-win for the city, for the neighbors, and for Aggregate,” he said.Cummings would be involved in both planning the quarry closure as is, and as it would be if they went the expansion route first.?His role in the expansion plan?is to tell us how to determine whether the extension of the rim is a go or a no-go situation based on its feasibility,” said Colby.He assured the neighbors and councilors that should they not approve of their selection, they would be happy to look into hiring someone else.?We don?t want someone you?re not comfortable with,” he said.Councilor Mike Garabedian suggested bringing in more consultants so residents can have options and the chance to hear a second opinion.?(Cummings) already has a scare on him,” he quipped in regards to his association with Boston?s Big Dig.Colby agreed that inviting other consultants into the process would offer more choices for the neighbors. He welcomes any suggestions.The unusually smooth meeting ended in record time with all those involved appearing far more at ease than ever before.