NEW ORLEANS — Demolition crews knocked down the first Gordon Plaza home on Wednesday to make way for a solar energy farm.
The site has been steeped in controversy. It was initially the Agriculture Street Landfill.
The Gordon Plaza Subdivision opened in 1981, but a toxic sludge filled with lead and other carcinogens started seeping into the residents' yards.
Officials say designing and building the facility could take about two years.
Residents will then be able to buy into solar farms for a small fee, which will give them a discount on their electricity bills.
Dr. Beverly wright with the Deep South Center for environmental justice has worked with Gordon Plaza residents since the 90s.
Wright says while she's happy to see this case close, it's bittersweet.
"People are in pain, and so am I," Dr. Beverly said during a ceremonial media briefing before demolition. "You know, I lost friends who lived out here. So when we started some people were already elderly they never had their problem redressed."
See the complete pre-demolition presser below:
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