landfill

What took the Commissioners so long to act on Rogers Road?

The news this week that the Orange County Board of County Commissioners has voted to charge a new tipping fee at the landfill to raise money for remediation in the Rogers Road neighborhood - a move that seemed somewhat ham-fisted to municipal governments (see below about that) - reminded me of a very interesting conversation I had last month. I attended oral history performances by a UNC class that conducted interviews with civil rights activists. Two students had worked closely with David Caldwell and Gertrude Nunn and learned about their neighborhood's 3-decade challenge of trying to get justice for living with the landfill that serves all of Orange County.

One grad student who is very familiar with local politics turned to me afterward and asked the same question that was in my mind: our County Commissioners have to be one of the most liberal boards in the state. How is it that the Rogers Road neighborhood has been stymied by them repeatedly, instead of being championed by the environmental and social justice advocates on the Board?

Rogers Road (Before Rogers Road Was Cool)

As someone who has worked with the Rogers Road neighborhood for many years, it really upsets me when I hear some of the criticism lobbed at our local elected officials over the issue of justice for the Rogers Road neighborhood.  It’s true that some of our elected leaders have sought to sweep the issue of landfill compensation under the rug.  But some elected officials in both Chapel Hill and Carrboro have worked hard on these issues for a long time. So let's not paint everyone with the same brush.  
 
The Landfill Compensation Working Group 
 
In 1996 and 1997, a group of elected officials (including me, then a Chapel Hill Council-member) and residents of the Rogers Road community recommended a list of 14 compensation items that our local governments owed to the neighbors of the landfill.  This list was a result of inclusive facilitated meetings of the Landfill Compensation Working Group (as the committee of neighbors and officials was known).
 
Showdown at the Assembly of Governments Corral 
 
The Assembly of Governments met on October 30, 1997 to discuss the LCWG's recommendations.

Extending the life of the landfill?

Because we have done such a good job of recycling (and composting?), we have managed to extend the life of our landfill well past it's sunset date....But at what cost?

Rural Orange: Talking Trash Survey

Haven't seen much buzz on this topic, and don't know who's behind Orange County Voice, but there's a group in rural Orange passing out information that Orange county is considering what could be some pretty radical changes in the way trash is handled for non-incorporated residents. If this is true, rural residents really need to voice their opinions and concerns.

NC Environmental Justice Network's Quarterly meeting hosted by RENA & CEER

Via e-mail:

    I wanted to send a reminder for you to reach out to your groups/organizations to invite them to come to the NC Environmental Justice Network's Quarterly meeting hosted by the Rogers-Eubanks Neighborhood Association (RENA) and the Coalition to End Environmental Racism (CEER) at the Faith Tabernacle Oasis of Love International Church (located at 8005 Rogers Road, Chapel Hill, NC 27516).
    
    The meeting program will begin at 9:30am with a light breakfast and finish up at 1:30pm.  Lunch will also be provided.  Please RSVP as soon as possible so we can get a head count for meals.

    We will send more information including an agenda soon.

    Best wishes,
    Min. Campbell.
    President RENA
    Co-Chair CEER
    W: 919-960-3455
    H: 919-933-6210
    rplcampbell@gmail.com
    www.rogersroad.wordpress.com



 

Date: 

Saturday, March 21, 2009 - 5:30am to 9:30am

Location: 

Faith Tabernacle Oasis Of Love International Church, 8005 Rogers Road, Chapel Hill, NC, 27516

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