News 12 at 11 o’clock, September 4, 2008

AUGUSTA, Ga.---News 12’s cameras were the only one's rolling as the city of Augusta recommended spending more than $100,000 to help turn things around for Hyde Park residents. It is an Augusta community that has been plagued by so called “hot spots” of contamination.

"Our prayers have been answered, and now we're being heard," said Eunice Jordan who lives in Hyde Park.

Jordan is counting her blessings. After years of living in a community believed to be riddled with contamination the city of Augusta is presenting a plan to help clean things up.

"I think it's a start, and in anything that you do you have to have a beginning," said Jordan.

It is possibly the beginning of an end to what Jordan and other neighbors call a never ending nightmare.

"There have been too many deaths. There have been too many illnesses,” said Hyde Park resident Arthur Smith. “The struggle has gone on for too long."

City leaders agree. Commissioner Don Grantham is chair of the Hyde Park subcommittee.

"This is something that's been going on for over 20 years,” said Commissioner Grantham. “They need some help."

The committee is recommending tax refunds for 2007 and 2008 totaling $25,000 a year, more than $100,000 in next year’s budget to re-open the Hyde Park community center and take down abandoned homes, 2.5 million dollars in SPLOST money to improve infrastructure, and $10 million dollars in HUD approved loans to provide grants and low cost loans to home owners.

"You're not just getting conversation you're getting action," said Commissioner Grantham.

"It's time,” said Arthur Smith. “This is something that we can take back and work with."

They will work with it and at the same time maintain they're not looking for hand-outs.

"No,” said Arthur Smith. “We are looking for justice. It's called environmental justice."

We should stress this is just a recommendation. The issue will go before the finance committee on Monday. If all goes according to plan...it could be approved the following Tuesday at the full commission meeting.