Akron’s proposed relocation of the Waste Management (WM) waste transfer station highlights the ugly realities of environmental racism plaguing minority communities for generations.
The chosen relocation site – a Ward 5 neighborhood that already shoulders multiple burdens – disregards the well-being of those who live and work there.
The city did not engage the impacted neighborhoods in Ward 5 but instead dubiously engaged other wards. And council members from those other wards want to railroad through the approval over the objection of the residents, businesses and council member of Ward 5.
More: Akron Council president: Mayor's office should have engaged community more about WM plan
Let’s be clear: Waste transfer stations are necessary but bring real problems. When you live in a neighborhood where the stench of rotting waste fills the air day after day, it’s a constant assault on your quality of life. You can’t escape it in your home, your backyard or your neighborhood, and it's a daily reminder that your neighborhood is a dumping ground.
Ask the residents near WM’s existing waste transfer facility on Fountain Street, who are desperate to have this moved. Beyond the smell, there are other concerns relating to health, traffic, noise and property values.
Environmental justice is a nationally recognized concept to combat environmental racism. It is easier for cities to target neighborhoods with fewer resources, less political clout and populations already worn down by other socioeconomic pressures.
On its website, WM claims it “operates with consciousness of the impact its operations may have on surrounding communities, including with [environmental justice] indicators, and invests significantly in transparency and building positive relationship to be a good neighbor.” WM’s alleged commitment appears to be nothing but lip service.
The Archwood neighborhood where the proposed transfer station would be located has been plagued by environmental burdens. In fact, it is designated as a “disadvantaged community” by the U.S. EPA.
Akron’s pending decision reeks of environmental racism — the placing of harmful environmental burdens on communities of color and lower-income neighborhoods.
The city administration failed to engage those who will be most affected by this decision and has misrepresented this as the best location. It wasn’t until days before the City Planning Commission meeting on July 12 that a limited number of the residents and businesses in the impacted neighborhood were notified. The Planning Commission caught scent of the lack of transparency and recommended disapproval.
On Oct. 3, City Council held a hearing on the Archwood proposal, where numerous clergy, businesses and residents waited hours to express their concerns, which included environmental racism. Concerns were also raised regarding WM’s sudden dumping of hastily created “reports,” which were submitted just days before the hearing and were not independently verified.
More: WM's proposed new trash transfer station remains contentious topic at hours-long hearing
One of the reports by a WM odor “consultant” appears to be nothing more than a marketing piece, with such “consultant” admitting that effectiveness of the chemicals they are going to spray in the air to try to mask the odor will be impacted by the wind, temperature, humidity and operational error.
The only thing everyone agrees on is that odor can be reduced by locating the source a proper distance from businesses or residents. However, the proposed facility is located just hundreds of feet away from residences and businesses.
This issue isn’t just dividing neighborhoods; it’s also pitting council members against one another as they struggle to defend their constituencies.
Rather than studying potential alternatives and engaging the community in a transparent process, the city seems content to rush through a plan to benefit WM. Divide and conquer is the strategy. Something stinks with this closed-door deal.
WM, too, has a responsibility here. It claims to be a steward for environmental justice. Its decision to push for this relocation, knowing full well the negative impacts it will have on a disadvantaged neighborhood, is not only irresponsible, but also unethical.
It, along with the city, has the resources to explore better alternatives and should openly work with the community to find a solution that doesn’t further harm Akron’s most vulnerable.
More: Akron faces opposition to moving waste transfer station that repulses current neighbors
It’s time for the city of Akron and WM to step up and do what’s right. They should, in an open forum, study and look for alternatives for the good of the community and not succumb to the easy way out at the expense of an already burdened neighborhood. The city should take time to study and authentically engage with the impacted communities and consider alternatives before this divisive action wreaks more havoc on our community.
This letter was a joint effort between community members and pastors, including: Dan Sublett, president of J.W. Didado Electric; pastors Lorenzo Glenn, Gregory Harrison, Curtis Minter, Gregory Partridge, Terry McKenzie, William Bunton and Mark A. Ward; bishops Langford Floyd and Benjamin Drone; and apostle Jimmie Rodgers.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Opinion: Something stinks with Waste Management facility proposal in East Akron
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