Coconut Grove residents demand justice over toxic legacy of Old Smokey

In Miami, residents of Coconut Grove, a historically Black and low-income neighborhood, have taken to the streets to demand accountability over health issues they allege stem from contamination linked to an incinerator known as 'Old Smokey.' This facility operated from 1926 until it was shut down in 1970 due to public nuisance concerns, but its history continues to impact the health of local residents. On Wednesday, December 11, 2024, dozens gathered at Miami City Hall, seeking justice for the decades of alleged health effects they attribute to toxic emissions from the incinerator. Many of those who participated in the march, including an 86-year-old cancer survivor named Ozie Williams, are calling for the city to remedy the environmental damage that remains in the area. The incinerator operated for several decades, emitting smoke and potentially harmful substances, which residents claim contributed to serious health problems, including cancer and sinus conditions. Williams, who lived near the facility, shared her distressing experience, stating, "In the morning, I couldn't open my kitchen door." Her testimony reflects a broader sentiment among community members who believe they were inadequately informed about the contaminant risks posed by the former incinerator. Residents argue that their families were left in the dark about dangers that seemingly followed them from childhood into adulthood. During the march, attorney Jason Clark highlighted the plight of the residents as he accused Miami City officials of dodging responsibility. The city even sought to strike evidence of environmental testing related to the site, leading to further frustration amongst the residents. Miami Commissioner Damian Pardo acknowledged the community's claims, indicating that a recent court ruling allowed the city to investigate the allegations more thoroughly. However, the residents demand immediate action rather than a prolonged review process, insisting it is time for the city to own up to its past. The history of 'Old Smokey' stands as a testament to the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities. The residents of Coconut Grove are pressing for cleanup and accountability as they link their current health issues to the historical operations of the incinerator, which they describe as a public hazard. Their call for justice takes on a poignant plea not just for themselves, but for the future health and safety of their children and the generations to come.