Local Voices on Lead Contamination: Utica & Buffalo
Utica
I was impressed by Lana Nitti's excellent talk at Tedx Utica, which addressed lead contamination in her neighborhood. I'm glad to share this resource from an upstate NY neighbor:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-7rJE_WpHM
Buffalo
I wanted to learn how the city of Buffalo is doing in addressing lead contamination. I found this investigative report from May 2019 entitled "Buffalo Lags on Addressing Lead Poisoning."
www.investigativepost.org/2019/05/01/buffalo-lags-on-addressing-lead-poisoning/
"Mayor Byron Brown and the Common Council have not enacted any of the eleven recommendations requiring city action. While the administration has done some of the necessary legwork, it has not yet translated it into proposed legislation or much in the way of policy. The Council has initiated nothing on its own.
"'Everybody needs to be tested, every house needs to be tested, and remediated, and that has to happen as soon as humanly possible,' said John Washington, co-director of organizing at PUSH Buffalo, which is active on the West Side promoting affordable housing and social justice." (McLeod)
Here's one way to get in touch with the city to let them know how important this issue is for our community's wellbeing: Buffalo Common Council: (716) 851-5105
Ask the Buffalo Common Council to prioritize lead contamination action for their 2020-2021 budget.
Here are some lead-related services currently listed on the City of Buffalo's website.
"Lead-Based Hazards are a legacy of Buffalo’s industrial heritage and remain in many of our older homes and buildings. The City of Buffalo 311 Center has a “Lead Line” where you can file a complaint about lead or request to have your home or apartment tested."
Watch this short news clip from Oct 2019 to learn a little about the Get Ahead of Lead Campaign in the City of Buffalo, and a recently updated Lead Action Plan.
Finally, check out this short play created in Buffalo: Legacy of Lead Radio Play. Legacy of Lead tells the story of a day in the life of a single mom with a child affected by lead exposure. It was made in conjunction with Healthy Homes Task Force and Ujima Theater to discuss the impacts of lead exposure in Buffalo, New York.
