Rezoning process has failed citizens, children

The Glynn County land use planning and approval process has failed our children and minorities again. A second asphalt plant is planned for Whitlock Street, less than a mile from three schools and in the heart of minority neighborhoods, all made possible by Glynn County No. 8217's re-zoning and approval process.

The Glynn County Commission protested the first asphalt plant air permit in 2003 due to impacts to schools and nearby residential neighborhoods. How could the commission approve another asphalt plant right next to the first? The answer lies in the Glynn County planning and approval process.

School locations are not considered when Glynn County approves construction that will pollute the area.

The Georgia Environmental Protection Division only takes into consideration whether the air permit to pollute meets regulations. The group does not become involved in local land use decisions.

Glynn County does not consider minority neighborhoods when planning and approving land uses that will result in air pollution. Under the Civil Rights Act, polluting industries cannot be clustered into minority neighborhoods, but that is what is happening.

Both the Georgia Environmental Protection Division and Glynn County appear to be failing to uphold their obligations under the Civil Rights Act.

Until Glynn County takes school and minority neighborhoods into consideration during the land use planning and approval process, we will be destined to continue placing pollution next to schools and clustering polluting activities in minority neighborhoods.

                                                                  Daniel Parshley,
                                                                   Brunswick