Archdale Roslindale Coalition Wins Justice for Boston’s “Love Canal”

ARCHDALE ROSLINDALE COALITION, INC.
~~ a Community United ~~

For Immediate Release

Contacts:
Beverly Spence (617)524-6597
Rachel Nasca (617)524-1535

Archdale Roslindale Coalition Wins Justice for Boston's "Love Canal"
Declares a $10 million Victory

Coalition to host a Press Conference Saturday, December 17, 2005, 2 pm Painters and Allied Trades Union Hall - 25 Colgate Road, Roslindale

December 16, 2005, Boston. The Archdale Roslindale Coalition declares victory in its 9-year battle for environment justice against the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority and the Boston Water and Sewer Commission's negligent toxic sewage overflow. On Oct. 20, 1996, this multinational working-class community was turned into a toxic-dump nightmare. A river of untreated raw sewage, storm water, home-heating oil from burst tanks, household chemicals, diesel fuel, and an undetermined mix of other toxins blanketed a 12-street area. Street-by-street, in public and private housing, basements, living rooms and kitchens filled with this deadly stew. It crested over seven feet in some areas. Cars were destroyed. Families lost their entire life savings in furniture, clothing, food and appliances. "I've lost my living room, kitchen, my car and my son's room, which was flooded to the ceiling. But worst of all is this photo," Antonio Martinez said, showing the hopelessly damaged only photo of his deceased sister.

That night all utilities were turned off in the area. Archdale Public Housing remained without utilities and heat for three days. Other families had no utilities for over two weeks.

After the "flood" receded, sewage-soaked debris and four inches of sludge covered the neighborhood with a stench that lasted months. The community charged that this tragedy resulted from negligence on the part of the Agencies responsible for water and sewage.

After over 9 years of determined battle, the 209 families from the Archdale Roslindale neighborhood won an historic victory in their battle against the City and State sewer agencies: over $4,000,000 in much needed sewage infrastructure improvements have been made combined with $6,000,000 in restitution for losses suffered by the community. The settlement reached also includes a unique agreement between the Coalition and the Agencies providing for communication/consultation/community intervention in relation to future sewage issues affecting this neighborhood. Attorney Jamy Buchanan Madeja said, "This diverse community came together in the face of extraordinary damage to their neighborhood, and stayed together to make it a better place to live. I'm proud to have been able to help people who work so hard to help themselves."

The Press Conference will feature the leadership and members of the Archdale Roslindale Coalition, the stellar legal team of Buchanan Madeja, Don Frederico and McDermott Will and Emery, representatives of One United Bank, and a host of supporters including Ralph Harriman, Painters and Allied Trades, District 35; City Councilor Chuck Turner; Steve Gillis, President, USWA 8751; Action for Community and Environment, the Boston International Action Center, and a host of others.

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