SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS

Residents of Athens, Alabama address the City Council, demanding urgent action to address neglected infrastructure issues plaguing their neighborhood. Photo taken during a passionate community meeting where concerns about flooding, sewer problems, and lack of street lights were voiced. (photo credit: Kayode Crown)

Residents of a rapidly expanding city in northern Alabama voice their grievances, citing neglect that has plagued their predominantly Black neighborhood for years. In a heartfelt plea, Army veteran Bobby Sledge, 72, and other concerned citizens addressed the Athens City Council on Monday, highlighting pressing issues, including the absence of street lights, recurring flooding leading to mold growth, and ongoing sewer problems in their aging community.

Sledge, recounting his ordeal, shared how he had to undertake extensive repairs to his home on Strain Road after severe flood damage in October.Mold infestation, a by-product of ongoing water intrusion, had rendered his house uninhabitable ,prompting a costly renovation.

Echoing Sledge’s sentiments, Willie Hardy, another resident, lamented the sewage woes plaguing his household. The foul odor emanating from contaminated water sources has made daily life unbearable and raised concerns about health hazards.

Despite numerous appeals to municipal authorities, the residents’ pleas have been largely brushed aside, prompting intervention from the Limestone County chapter of the NAACP last April. Monday’s council meeting marked a renewed effort to draw attention to the community’s plight following an initial gathering in June 2022.

In response to mounting pressure, city official shave initiated door-to-door surveys in the affected neighborhood, with plans to promptly address identified public improvement needs. However, residents still need to be convinced, citing years of unfulfilled promises and persistent disparities inservice delivery.

Sharon Wilson, accompanied by her elderly mother, Betty, underscored the dire consequences of the city’s in-action. Betty, a dialysis patient, grapples with the pungent stench permeating their home, further exacerbating concerns about her deteriorating health.

Diane Steele, spokes-person for the LimestoneCounty NAACP, emphasized the systemic nature of the community’s grievances, dating back several years. The city’s neglect, she asserted, underscores a broader pattern of discriminatory practices, further exacerbated by disparities in in-frastructure development and service provision.

Despite Mayor William”Ronnie” Marks’ absence due to health reasons, the council faces mounting pressure to promptly address the community’s concerns. Ollie Turner, representing the Limestone NAACP, called for the city to develop a comprehensive drainage and sewage system plan byJanuary 2024, emphasizing the need for equitable treatment and inclusive governance in light of the city’s rapid growth.

As Athens grapples with the challenges of urban expansion, the call for equity and accountability reverberates louder than ever, underscoring the imperative of fostering a community where every voice is heard, and every neighborhood is afforded dignity and respect.

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