The Bethlehem Area School Board approved the $4.5 million bid for Freedom High School and a BASD stadium synthetic turf installations by 7-2 Monday evening at the regular board meeting.

Board members Tom Thomasek and Angela Sinkler voted against the project. Sinkler said she is concerned about reports that materials used in the production of synthetic turf fields and playing surfaces might pose health risks for young athletes in their later lives.

The federal government announced plans Feb. 12 to review safety concerns related to synthetic turf fields.

After weeks of heated discussions between Bethlehem residents and board members, a decision was finally made regarding the synthetic turf. During courtesy of the floor, resident Peter Crownfield voiced his opinion yet again about the safety hazards regarding the turf.

“When you think of the health concerns raised by the Center for Disease Control (CDC), does the board claim a higher knowledge than those people?” said Crownfield.

Crownfield also argued the existing studies, which support synthetic turf, prove “absolutely nothing,” and haven’t considered the effects of crumb turf over a long-term period, such as 10 to 20 years. Another question raised was whether the district did its job by educating the residents about the topic.

“You based your judgments off of no studies. I certainly hope you don’t teach science this way,” Crownfield said.

Board member Eugene McKeon spoke briefly about the issue before the vote took place. He said he believes it has been necessary for a long time to update the fields. But, he was hesitant about approving the turf.

“What I would like to see done is proceed with all the projects, except the turf, and wait for the study in Washington to finish this coming December,” McKeon said.

He continued by stating if the study isn’t finished within the year, the board would then move forward with the synthetic turf project in the summer of 2017.

BASD Superintendent Dr. Joseph J. Roy quickly responded by acknowledging when the board approves of the project, they must purchase it. Therefore, if down the road, they decide the synthetic turf is a safety hazard, it will be too late. The BASD would potentially be $4.5 million in the hole if the board would decide not to install the turf after approval.

If they delayed the vote, prices could also rise because the bid is only eligible for a certain period of time.

Bethlehem resident Kerri Freidl also spoke to the board during courtesy of the floor. She introduced herself as not only a parent of a Freedom soccer player, but a booster club president as well. She expressed support for the synthetic turf.

“When our opponents come and play at our fields, we are told it is the worst playing field they’ve ever been on,” Freidl said.

Freidl has her Ph.D. and is a biochemical engineer. She works in pharmaceuticals and has been involved in science for over 20 years. According to Freidl, the 12 carcinogens mentioned in the synthetic turf can also be found in things people interact with every day. Specifically things like cars, shampoos, conditioners, purses, household cleaning products and detergents, which are all used on a daily basis by millions of people.

Freidl said she does not believe it is necessary to eliminate these products from our lives, but to limit the amount of times we come into contact with them.

“Should the board vote no on this issue because of safety concerns, I would challenge the board to provide scientific evidence based upon their decision. It (the turf fields) is long overdue and much needed,” Freidl said.

She believes the turf fields will provide countless opportunities for the men and women of Freedom High School.

Crownfield agrees Freedom deserves safe, equitable fields.

“Equity should not be attained by putting more students’ health at risk,” Crownfield said.