Take Action 10/22: No Debris Sites in Neighborhoods

After a wave of public concern, we have heard reports that the City is closing both of the debris sorting sites on Deaverview Road. This is an important win, and will be a tremendous relief to folks in the Deaverview area. However, our work is not done. The City has not committed to permanently close the 65 Ford Street site (with an entrance on Deaverview Road). They have not committed to keep these sites away from other neighborhoods.

It’s vitally important that we still gather on Tuesday to communicate this crucial message. We are also starting a petition that we will deliver to City officials. (You can sign it here.)

These sites will process debris that includes toxic materials, creating serious health risks for this community. This is reminiscent of a long and ugly history of environmental racism in this country, with hazardous sites like these almost always placed in working class areas that are the home of predominantly Black and Latine residents.

We understand that the City needs to set up these kinds of sites – there are many tons of debris that need to be processed. But we don’t think they need to be in such close proximity to the homes of a low income neighborhood – or any neighborhood. What alternatives has the City considered? Have they approached Ingles? What about the Biltmore Company, which owns 8000 acres of land, most of which is not near residential neighborhoods?

We invite you to join us in asking these important questions and urging the City Council to premanently relocate these sorting facilities away from residential neighborhoods.