BROWNFIELD PILOT GRANT
Hyde Park was one of 56 communities across the country to receive an EPA Brownfield Pilot Grant in 1999. The grant allows us to investigate toxins at the former Goldberg Brothers Scrap Metal yard. So far, investigations have revealed high levels of arsenic and other contaminants. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division stepped in and cleared the land. We are now in Phase IV of the project -- excavation. We are also beginning to think about future land uses for this site.
This winter, we were able to bring a number of community members to the annual Brownfield conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. Residents explained our project to people across the country and learned much more about the Brownfield program. Coming home, we then applied for a supplemental Brownfield grant to investigate 2 additional sites as well as contamination in the community. The EPA approved part one of our application and requested that we submit Part 2! We expect to hear the results this June.
HEALTH INTERVENTION PROJECT
The Richmond County Health Department has
finished their health screenings of Hyde Park residents. They are now tallying their results. So far, they believe that more in-depth screenings and research are necessary. The Health Dept. is now applying for funding to take the study further.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP
For the third summer, Arthur Smith is planning to take a number of youths from Hyde Park to the Black Youth Leadership Institute on St. Simon’s Island. Last summer, Smith brought 9 youths from Hyde Park. The teens woke up each morning at 5 a.m. and after some vigorous calisthenics spent their days in leadership and environmental training workshops. The program was “uplifting, direct and focused,” says Smith.
LAWSUIT
Unfortunately, the lawsuit is still pending. We are awaiting a trial date.
NEIGHBORHOOD HAPPENINGS
Our neighborhood signs are up!! A local artist designed them, and now two beautiful and unique signs proudly proclaim that you are entering Hyde Park. We have also been approved to purchase three new computers to be located at the Mary Utley Community Center. Once the computers are in place, we will begin community computer training classes