DECLARATION
OF RESISTANCE TO ONONDAGA COUNTY'S
PROPOSED SEWAGE PLANT AT MIDLAND AND ARMORY SQUARE
We, the people of Central New York, understand that Onondaga Creek is essential to our future. Our dedication to this future demands that we persist in our commitment to underground storage, and a sewage- and chemical-free Creek and Lake. We oppose, and will actively resist the County's current plan for sewage plants at Midland and Armory Square. We welcome everyone to join us in the fight to save our Creek, our neighborhood, and our city.
Our resistance has grown from a small group of individuals into a community
movement to protect our neighborhoods, Onondaga Creek and Lake, and includes:
Ø 1300 signatures and climbing on petitions supporting underground storage
Ø the Onondaga Nation
Ø students and faculty of SU, SU Law School, SUNY-ESF, OCC, Le Moyne
Ø community businesses including Armory Square merchants
Ø community organizations: SUN, NAACP, CEC, Partnership for Onondaga
Creek, Brady Faith Center, CAN, CCE, Jubilee Homes, Syracuse Peace Council,
SEAC, etc.
The County's proposed sewage plants would not only be an environmental injustice,
but an economic injustice as well. They would cause:
Ø a public health risk to the community
Ø displacement of neighborhood residents without adequate compensation
Ø further pollution of the Creek and Lake with at least 195 million gallons
of partially treated sewage yearly
Ø lower property values and damage the economic integrity of the community
The County and its' contractors developed this plan with NO input from the affected communities, and with NO consideration for the revitalization of the neighborhood. It is NOT a viable option for the future of Central New York.
Underground storage is the best method for cleaning up Onondaga Creek and Lake.
This alternative would:
Ø virtually eliminate sewage overflows into the Creek
Ø expose the community to no chlorine or other chemicals
Ø displace fewer people
Ø be cheaper over time
Ø allow the above ground area to be used by the community
Ø maintain and improve the economic integrity of the neighborhood
The community stands with our Mayor and the Common Council in the commitment to underground storage. Six years into this struggle, people are increasingly showing their support of this vision with canoe rides, an annual Creek Day, a Creek walk, and a "Duck Race to End Racism" on the Creek for environmental justice. In May, a 300 person rally supporting underground storage was held at Armory Square. Finally, a Title VI civil rights complaint was filed against the county for environmental racism.
Our waterways are vital to the health of our planet. We need to stop using
them as sewers. We need County Executive Pirro, the County Legislature and Governor
Pataki to listen to the voices of the community to make that happen. We need
our state and federal representatives -including State Senators Hoffmann and
DeFrancisco, US Senators Clinton and Schumer, and Congressman Walsh - to stand
up and be counted.
Make it clear where YOU stand on this issue.
Contact: Aggie Lane (315) 478-4571 aggielane@a-znet.com
or
Zac Moore (315) 445-2273 zdmoore@maxwell.syr.edu
Or come to one of our weekly meetings, usually the NAACP, 416 W. Onondaga St. 6pm Tuesday nights. Call to confirm time and location.