Group Speakers Highlight #10 The Partnership for Onondaga Creek is a diverse, community-based environmental The Partnership for Onondaga Creek is a diverse, community-based environmental justice organization, rooted in the Midland area of Syracuse, New York. They are committed to empowering local communities, through knowledge and tools for change, to make the water and environment in and along Onondaga Creek meet the highest standards. In 2004 the POC filed a Title VI complaint with the EPA against Onondaga County and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in regards to a planned sewage plant in their neighborhood. While that sewage plant was ultimately built, it was downsized, and due to the efforts of the Partnership, three other sewage plants in similar low-income, minority neighborhoods were avoided, replaced with green infrastructure and underground storage in what became Onondaga County’s award-winning Save the Rain projects. Their story is one of injustice, perseverance, and a measure of success and illustrates the struggles of the environmental justice community. Aggie Lane is a former engineer with Carrier Corp. whose ability to read long engineering plans was instrumental to the Partnership’s effectiveness. Vernell Bentley was among those evicted from their homes. Joanne Stevens is a longtime community activist with Syracuse United Neighbors, advocating for a better future for her community. All are residents of the Midland neighborhood and original members of the Partnership for Onondaga Creek. Lindsay Speer, currently a Masters in Environmental Law and Policy student at Vermont Law School, joined the Partnership in 2007 and was part of the team that negotiated the Save the Rain solution.
Posted on: Thu, 27 Mar 2014 20:15:28 +0000
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