. . . But not in my Backyard

    Wednesday, 21 July 2004 - Construction was in full swing before 6:15a Wednesday morning. The dump trucks were taking dirt from the shovel and the bulldozer was squeaking along the flattened pad. Called the mayor shortly after 6:45a so he could listen to our problem over the phone. When I approached Drinkard Development representative Ralph on the site this morning about the city noise ordinance (#1287), he told me he saw no problem with the equipment working right against our back fence at 6:30 in the morning. Photos to follow.

   We were told by an engineer that there had been an old dump on the site long ago and you could certainly smell something awful yesterday when the soil was disturbed. The waste was being dug out and relocated to the northeast end of the property next to the homes at that location. Recent heavy rains caused the single environmental screen to fail and the freshly dug soil washed into the neighbors pond. ADEM was contacted to investigate once again for another problem. They have been quick to respond and have been very effective in protecting our environment and property where they can.

   We were also told by another engineer that the site is not condusive to building due to the network of underground springs. This has been known since before Wal-Mart was built and contributes to the problems they are having keeping sink holes filled under the parking lot. I don't know if this is true but future problems may bear this out. It's only a temporary location anyway. The stores, Goodies and Dollar Tree, from two other shopping centers will be relocating to this area leaving the smaller stores and Winn Dixie to keep the older shopping centers alive. The cancer continues to grow.

   Found out yesterday after viewing the plans of the new construction that a large waste receptacle will be placed next to our property line for the theater. Placing the dumpster on the other side next to Wal-Mart would make more sense in order to protect our neighborhood from the flies, smell and tremendous noise the trucks make when emptying the containers in the early morning hours.

   Some of the workers took a break and came onto our grass and were leaning against the fence in defiance of tresspassing. Our fence is set back from the property line several feet due to the power line overhead.

   This is all going on in our backyard. It's happening to us and it could happen to you as well. We're having to stand up for our rights and hold those accountable and responsible's feet to the fire for these actions. There's a reason for the expression, "I like Wal-Mart, but please, not in my backyard." Thank you for taking time to read this. Hold us in your prayers as we are forced to continue to fight for our rights and yours as well.

   Vehicles were at work at 6:16a and left for the day at 6:56p.
 

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