Minutes 05-17-2011 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

We also thank Dr. Fikes, Mr. Konsler and Dr. Holland from OWASA for helping develop the details that support the plan. So — here's what we believe are the actions needed to mitigate the impact of the landfill and solid waste operations on our community. 1. First and foremost, we ask that the county provide connections to public water and sewer for all the residents of the historic Rogers/Eubanks community. With the hlpe of Dr. Fikes and Mr. Konsler, we are finalizing a list of 100-130 homes that were in the area before the landfill was sited in 1972. Some homes have already received water and four homes have received sewer service. In your packets, there's a report from OWASA, which estimates $3.5 million for sewer. Please note that the costs to connect homes are not included and will be in addition. Our residents will pay the monthly usage fees like every other OWASA customer. As you know from your experience in Efland — some residents may decline to hookup. We believe that a genuine offer from the county that assumes all the costs for water and sewer hookups will be widely embraced by our community. Thank you. David Caldwell of RENA/CEER will continue these remarks. David Caldwell, Project Director and Community Organizer for RENA/CEER, read a prepared statement after making some initial remarks. He said that for the past 25 years, he has been on almost every board and group pertaining to his community. He has shared the plight with all local governments and the only thing that has changed is the faces. The policies, procedures, and agendas have all remained the same. He said that they have been pushed around, ignored, and disrespected and outlasted to the brink of extinction. "Good evening. Continuing on Minister Campbell's remarks: 2. Second, we ask that the county clean up the illegal dumpsites within three quarters of a mile of the perimeter of the landfill — some of the sites are in the headwaters of the Bolin Creek watershed making the cleanup even more urgent. In addition, we ask for aggressive ongoing enforcement of existing dumping ordinances. On April 5th, we told you about 44 illegal sites in our community. We did not study areas north of the landfill. The number could be higher. You may want to ask staff to research this. We appreciate that there are illegal dumpsites all over the county and that our situation will set a difficult precedent. We believe that after you've visited our sites, you'll agree that our situation is different. Since our community is en route to several county landfills and dumps, there's a natural and inevitable concentration of illegal dumping activities — especially when centers are closed or materials are not accepted. We'd like to show you the sites so you can see for yourself. But, we are still waiting for the county to agree to indemnify the residents. 3. Third —we ask for a community and cultural center that honors our community— which has a heritage that dates back to the 1700's. We believe that the community center in Efland is a precedent for what we are seeking. On an interim basis, we ask that you provide annual funding for the RENA community center that we are already running on Edgar Road. 4. Fourth —we ask that institute a program to protect our community from gentrification or predatory developers. There are options available and we ask that you consider overlay zoning, a tax abatement program, or other alternatives.