Biolab Meeting to be third in 2 years
By Justin A. Rice (From Metro), April 28, 2010
When Boston University proposed a Level 4 biolab on Albany Street in the South End in 2003, they hoped to be studying the world’s deadliest germs by now.
Four years after a federal judge ordered a new risk assessment, the panel overseeing the study is forcing BU to be more patient.
But the fact that tonight is just the third local public meeting since the blue ribbon panel was established in 2008 has many opponents saying the slow pace is indicative of larger problems.
“That’s an unfair characterization,” said Dr. Adel Mahmoud, the panel’s chair. “We are determined to do the best possible study we can design and if it takes a little longer it’s justifiable”
But detractors aren’t exactly complaining about delays.
“It puts everything off another year,” said Vicky Steinitz, of the Coalition to Stop the BioTerrorLab. “The more time it doesn’t happen the better things are in a certain sense. What we’re trying to do is make sure this lab doesn’t open.”