Finally, a monetary victory win for the people of Gordon Plaza. Justice prevailed but the journey was not easy. Homeownership in the Desire neighborhood did not go as planned, as citizens were sold homes endorsed by local politicians and the federal government in the late 1970s. Unfortunately, the subdivision was constructed on land that was a toxic former landfill (Agriculture Street Landfill). The neighborhood also contained a school that was relocated from the nearby Desire Housing Project, Moton Elementary and a senior citizen center. The young and old of this neighborhood were both put in harms way. From lead poisoning, respiratory illnesses, cancers and death, this community fell prey to toxic chemicals. DDT, a chemical (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) used to offer protection from the many harmful insects, only added to the unsafe environmental condition.
August 2005 only proved to be a further hindrance to the community, when Hurricane Katrina made landfall. The soil mitigation used to renew the environment was compromised when the floodwaters inundated the area. Esteemed environmental scientist Wilma Subra findings from retesting the soil forced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reinvestigate the site. Thus reinforced the fight, and the residents of this tarnished community pushed further and harder. While other areas of the city were improving, this area had tougher battles to overcome including the federal government holding back Road Home (FEMA) funding.
The Residents of Gordon Plaza, led by Shannon Rainey and others, went into battle and prevailed in the end. It was not an easy journey. Many did not make it. They succumbed to various illnesses that could have been caused by their environment. The residents were compensated for their homes enabling them to relocate. It does not erase the fact that lives were lost, families were hurt and a community destroyed. During the timeframe of 2001-2015, it is documented in the Louisiana Tumor Registry, that this area held the second-highest rates of cancer in the state of Louisiana.
When They Fought. They Won.
— Leslie Smith Everage (“Lagniappe Les”)
