HICKORY WOODS - TIMELINE

HICKORY WOODS

1985

Final decommissioning of the former Donner-Hanna Coke and Republic Steel Facilities is completed by LTV Corp. Construction of subsidized housing begins on Boone St., O'Connor St., Abby St., and Baraga St.

1988-89

Construction of subsidized housing begins on Boone St., O'Connor St., Abby St., and Baraga St. Subsidies are offered to home buyers. Monies come from New York State Affordable Housing and H.U.D. Program is administered by BURA and Buffalo Community Development & Inspections. To date, no Environmental testing has been proven by the city for this phase of the development.

1990-92

Fill in housing erected on Abby, Baraga, O'Connor and Boone, which is also subsidized and City driven. Concurrent construction of the "berm" on the west side of Abby St. begins.

4/1/91 Donald of Nemec of LTV writes Joseph Schollard Commissioner of Inspections & Community Revitalization stating that, to the best of his knowledge, no industrial wastes dumping or buried tanks were on the site. Further stated were that no sampling program had been done.

1993-94

3/93 Soil samples are taken by Huntingdon/Empire Soils of the lots bounded by Baraga, Abby, Mystic and the Price Warehouse. It is deemed O.K. Citizen then complains to DEC. Dave Locey investigates and files report with Martin Doster. Doster of DEC writes to Cameron O'Connor of NYSDOH questioning the test results. Subsequently, Mr. O'Connor writes to Brian Hayden of Buffalo Revitalization and Inspections to inform him that the soil tests are inadequate to assure no danger to human health. No reply to that letter is evident in the DOH files. In May of '93, a homeowner videotapes the removal of 1-1/2'-3' of soil from those lots. This work was completed under city supervision. The soils removed are then deposited across Abby Street on LTV property.

4/27/94 NYSDOH informs one homeowner of visual and chemical evidence of coke waste on their property on O'Connor St.

11/28/94 Connie Laport of DEC Division of Air writes the homeowner (see 4/27/94) and says, "[t]his windblown dust is most likely from the roadways, automobile exhaust, and the open field at the end of your road." (Open field at end of road contains toxic waste site). She further states, "[a]s you pointed out to me, much of the soil in your neighborhood is comprised of coal and therefore, it is not unusual to find this material blown into the tiny corners and crevices of your house."

1999

5/10/99
Rich Stanton of City of Buffalo Law and Jim Smith Director of Officer of the Environment attend block club meeting. Informed block club members that only 4 lots were affected and that all effected residents had been notified. They further stated that the contaminants would have to have dermal contact to cause exposure. (Residents later found out this was not true!) Said lots to be remediated would be excavated to 4 - 4 -1/2'. Most areas were dug to at least 8'! though residents were assured no further recontamination would occur, due to clean up being accomplished by fully regulated company. Safety measures described were violated. City officials claimed not to know where foundation soils for these three homes were taken to. City officials denied any culpability in regards to found toxins, claimed that those who dirtied the land were only responsible party. Comprehensive testing of the neighborhood was denied. Jim Smith stated that long term exposure to PAH's would increase risk of cancer by one in a million?!

6/14/99 Rich Stanton attends second block club meeting. Comments included- That DEC was involved in the 1993 excavations (Later found out that DEC consultation was ignored!) Claimed city is not the legally responsible party. When asked who is responsible, Rich Stanton's only answer was that the land was transferred to BURA in 1992.

6/17/99 State assemblyman Brian Higgins write Gerald Mikol of DEC asking for full support for Hickorywoods issues.

8/29/99 Remediation begins on four lots south of Mystic St.

8/30/99 City notifies 19 additional residents with hand delivered letters about toxins on their properties.

9/21/99 Severnson Environmental Services takes out hydrant permit for wash water to reduce dust levels on remediation site and neighborhood. (23 days after digging had started!)

9/30/99 Homeowners have first Association meeting.

10/14/99 Organizational meeting of HWCHA - elected officers.

10/22/99 Waste Management Inc. receives and disposes of 962 gallons on waste described as liquid benzene on hazardous waste manifest. Generator of waste listed as City of Buffalo @ 237 Abby Street.

11/10/99 EMC has monthly meeting-2 homeowners, Judy Robinson of CEC, and Steve Polowitz attend on behalf of the residents. Recommendations coming out of this meeting form much of City's response in coucil and Mayor's office. Later that day- HWCHA meeting - Rich Stanton attends meeting. He states that the city had no "in house" technicians so the city hired ENASCO to conduct soil studies in 1995.

11/17/99 HWCHA in conjunction with CEC hold press conference and call for immediate relocation of residents.

11/18/99 Councilmembers Pitts, LoTempio and Manley hold press conference calling for relocation, remediation, financial remuneration and appropriate public meetings with full public input. Pitts stated, "This project which started in the Griffin Administration has been a blunder from day one and I have never supported it. It is time to face the problems in an honest and comprehensive fashion."

11/30/99 Common Council Meeting - President Pitts presents resolution, Al Coppola calls for investigation by NYSAG, Charlie Fischer adds name to resolution, Rose LoTempio is adamant about all resolution items. Dennis Manley speaks in support, Councilmember Elect Mary Martino speaks on behalf of homeowners, breaking with tradition, several homeowners are allowed to make statements in open council. Pitts questions city law department officials and demands full disclosure to council.

12/02/99 HWCHA meeting

12/07/99 Mayor Masiello writes to City Council in response to resolution #168. States that city will file suit against LTV, Hanna Furnace and National Steel. That the city will stop negotiations on purchase of 200 acre site. He also states that his primary concern is for that of the safety and health of residents. Notice of Intent to sue is sent certified mail to all three companies. Copied on these letters were; Janet Reno, Jeanne Fox, USEPA administrator and NYSAG Eliot Spitzer.

12/08/99 Common Council convenes meeting at Triangle Academy - Resident testimonies concerning illness, illegal dumping and City mismanagement / false statements were central. LTV attorney on site - said little. City office of Environment taken to task over testing , remediation and Benzene outlined in Hazardous Waste Manifest. DEC spoke on ground water contamination and possible air contaminants. Judy Robinson provided TAGM information which contradicted the City's "Urban background" levels.

12/15/99 CEC and HWCHA w/ 7 environmental advocacy groups send letter to Jeanne Fox of EPA, John Cahill of DEC, Antonia Novello of DOH and Governor Pataki outlining concerns and recommendations.

12/16/99 HWCHA meeting - Homeowners met with EPA and DOH officials. Video evidence was presented as anecdotal evidence for testing. City office of environment and legal rep. were in attendance - they had no comment. Homeowners were offered a public availability session to give input for EPA testing parameters and for DOH health counseling .

12/17/99 EPA & DOH officials met with council reps and city officials. Judy Robinson of CEC was in attendance. EPA officials commented that video evidence "Smacked of a cover-up"

12/20/99 Council President James Pitts - sends letter to Dick Salkie requesting quick and complete action.

12/28/99 EMC corresponds to Mayor - outlining their advisory on how to deal with Current Hickorywoods situation and plan for future developments.

2000

01/4/00 EMC corresponds to Mayor - outlining their advisory on how to deal with Current Hickorywoods situation and plan for future developments.

1/4/00 January 10th letter processed to various governmental agencies and officials outlining brief history and requests for action.

1/12/00 Environmental Management Commission meeting cancelled due to illness.
Received letter from Paul Werthman of Turnkey Environmental requesting copies of videos - not supplied to date (2/24/2000)

01/13/00 EPA / DOH Public Availability Session - Residents were to bring in and discuss anecdotal evidence to establish testing parameters for EPA. Many residents felt that discussions with EPA officials indicated a "canned response" testing program. DOH officials were on hand and counseled residents on health matters.

01/14/00 EPA officials toured site.

01/18/00 Five homeowners were interviewed by Luke Moretti for the 11 PM newscast. The 1993 DOH and DEC letters regarding the Huntingdon Soils tests were made public that night. Channel 7 News continues to follow the story

01/18/00

HWCHA sent letters of pleading to assorted government officials and agencies outling in general the current state of affairs. Requested were the following:
· Immediate resettlement of residents
· Buy-outs of properties
· Including Hickory Woods in Superfund site
· Immediate remedial investigation w/ public review of test plan
· Request for regular monthly information meetings by City, State and Federal agencies
· Addressing of all health concerns

1/21/00 Foil request is processed with city requesting any records of testing and /or soil removal in Hickorywoods from Jan 1st thru dec 31st 1993

1/26/00 Foil requests are processed with city requesting copies of land disposition agreements and EMC meeting minutes for 93
Received berm sample reports from DEC per foil request (Show many levels above TAGM)

01/27/00 HWCHA Meeting - Joe Gardella was guest. Joe introduced himself to group, explained his past experience working with environmentally contaminated neighborhoods in the city. He also was invited by city officials to investigate the pollution at Stachowski Park. He explained what the University could assist with (i.e. Environmental anaylsis / testing, possible legal assistance / guidance, student participation in gathering information and other assorted assistance). He cautioned group members that test results done by the college would not hold up in court. These tests would be useful to apply pressure on EPA to conduct their sampling / testing in a scrupulous manner.

01/29/00 Approximately 14 homeowners & J. Robinson of CEC met with Assmblyman Brian Higgins. High points of the meeting were- He would write letters to EPA & DOH regarding upcoming testing and health evaluations. He also suggested that he would urge EPA to provide in depth studies and a 30 day comment period for citizen response. He further stated that he would provide copies of all letters to the HWCHA. Homeowners voiced concerns about buy outs and possible criminality on the part of the City officials during development. Mr. Higgins assured homeowners that the council at the time demanded a thorough program of testing and investigation. He said in effect that if there was a negligence, it was on the part of those reporting to council.

01/30/00 In an article in the Buffalo News dated Jan. 30, 2000, headlined "South Buffalo Brownsfields Targeted as Offices and Marina," Brian Meyer reports that the parcels of land on the former Republic Steel site are owned by LTV steel of Cleveland and the city is embroiled in a bitter legal dispute over environmental contamination in a nearby neighborhood. The controversial Hickorywoods subdivision near Abby St. was also part of the former steel company properties. Kevin Greiner of Buffalo Renaissance Corp. in quoted in the article, "We're being extremely cautious on this project and, frankly, the problems on Abby St. raise our consciousness that much higher."

02/04/00 Meeting with Paul McCarthy of the State Attorney General's Office.( J. Robinson, Steven Polowitz & R. Ammerman) Main thrust of this meeting was that the A.G.s office would only be monitoring the Hickory Woods situation at this time. He expressed some interest in the trucking firm that the City used in the development. He also explained that the A.G.s office must represent any state agency such as the DOH in all their litigation.

02/07/00 Homeowners Association mails out letters of pleading to EPA officials regarding upcoming testing. Of primary concern were the focus of sampling and a public comment period.

02/09/00 R. Ammerman and another homeowner met with Assemblyman Brian Higgins at Abbott Rd. office. Discussed were the upcoming EPA testing, the possibility of a legislative hearing, action under state regulations which could commence prior to any testing to include removal of hydroponics project soils, remediation soils and full contents of berm from LTV property.
Environmental Management Commission Meeting - High Points - Commission members to plead to EPA on testing parameters, Video was shown and discussed, Jim Smith of Office of the Environment stated that the City was culpable. Mr. Smith also inferred that the Enasco report was in response to DOH and DEC letters of '93. R. Ammerman reminded him that those two reports (ENASCO & Huntingdon) tested different parcels of land.

02/10/00 Homeowners met with Dr. Joseph Gardella in regards to upcoming EPA testing and SUNYAB involvement. Counseled that he would bring in a variety of options for the association members to decide upon. (A way forward)

02/14/00 Brian Higgins writes Salvatore Page of DOH in re: to EPA and DOH involvement

02/17/00 HWCHA meeting met with Brian Higgins and Joe Gardella discussed upcoming EPA testing, Brian Higgins said that he would hold EPA and DOH to a 30 day response period to his upcoming letters. Pathways to exposure chart disseminated. Next meeting was scheduled for March 16th - 7PM

02/18/00 Council Resolution #251 is adopted calling for a state legislative hearing, the City office of Environment to produce report detailing DOH and EPA actions, The City corporate council to research legal issues in re: resettlement

02/29/00 Buffalo Common Council President James Pitts and Homeowner ssociation President Rick Ammerman travel to Washington to address congressional staff on the Hickory Woods situation and Brownfield Environmental issues. Click here to view the article.

03/16/00 Toxic Tour of the neighborhood with Lois Gibbs. Click here to read the article.

3/30/00 EPA public availability session at Triangle Academy. EPA to present draft sampling plan for resident comments. Residents can come any time during the three hour period to review the plan with the EPA. EPA will also explain the effects of the sampling process (impact and restoration) and propose a time schedule when testing will begin.

3/16/00/TD> Lois Gibbs will be touring the Hickory Woods neighborhood.

3/16/00/TD> Home Owners Association meeting at South Buffalo Community Center. Lois Gibbs will be in attendance

03/23/01
A meeting was called for on Thursday, March 23, 2000 by Council President Pitts for homeowner participation. Joe Gardella (University of Buffalo Chemist) presented his prodigious qualifications and spoke concerning issues of interfacing with the mayor's office, delaying the upcoming LTV/City clean-up and including homeowners in those discussions. Homeowners spoke out on disease, lack of city support and dropping property values. EPA officials announced that upcoming testing is close at hand.
On Thursday, March 23, 2000, Hickory Woods residents showed up in force at Thursday's "Bipartisan Bash." Leaflets were distributed, and many powerful signs were marched back and forth in front of the Market Arcade. Many of those that attended the Bash were interested and spoke with residents about our situation. Those residents that were inside spoke with several high placed officials in City, County and State government. The Hickory Woods story continues to spread!

06/21/00
Public meeting at Triangle Academy. Presentation of EPA approved draft work plan for remediation of 5 unoccupied lots.draft sampling plan for resident comments. Residents can come any time during

2001

EPS test results received by residents

02/8/01 Meeting with Common Council to update and discuss resolution.

02/17/01
Lois Gibbs and Steven Lester will be at the Statler Towers, Georgian Room, to offer their support to Hickory Woods and other communities impacted by environmental contamination. Invited to speak are various elected officials, including Council President James Pitts and Rick Ammerman (President of Hickory Woods Homeowners' Association), The event will begin with a protest march starting at City Hall at 9:00 a.m.

	1985
	Final decommissioning of the former Donner-Hanna Coke and Republic Steel Facilities is completed by LTV Corp. Construction of subsidized housing begins on Boone St., O'Connor St., Abby St., and Baraga St.
	1988-89
	Construction of subsidized housing begins on Boone St., O'Connor St., Abby St., and Baraga St. Subsidies are offered to home buyers. Monies come from New York State Affordable Housing and H.U.D. Program is administered by BURA and Buffalo Community Development & Inspections. To date, no Environmental testing has been proven by the city for this phase of the development.
	1990-92
	Fill in housing erected on Abby, Baraga, O'Connor and Boone, which is also subsidized and City driven. Concurrent construction of the "berm" on the west side of Abby St. begins.
4/1/91	Donald of Nemec of LTV writes Joseph Schollard Commissioner of Inspections & Community Revitalization stating that, to the best of his knowledge, no industrial wastes dumping or buried tanks were on the site. Further stated were that no sampling program had been done.
	1993-94
3/93	Soil samples are taken by Huntingdon/Empire Soils of the lots bounded by Baraga, Abby, Mystic and the Price Warehouse. It is deemed O.K. Citizen then complains to DEC. Dave Locey investigates and files report with Martin Doster. Doster of DEC writes to Cameron O'Connor of NYSDOH questioning the test results. Subsequently, Mr. O'Connor writes to Brian Hayden of Buffalo Revitalization and Inspections to inform him that the soil tests are inadequate to assure no danger to human health. No reply to that letter is evident in the DOH files. In May of '93, a homeowner videotapes the removal of 1-1/2'-3' of soil from those lots. This work was completed under city supervision. The soils removed are then deposited across Abby Street on LTV property.
4/27/94	NYSDOH informs one homeowner of visual and chemical evidence of coke waste on their property on O'Connor St.
11/28/94	Connie Laport of DEC Division of Air writes the homeowner (see 4/27/94) and says, "[t]his windblown dust is most likely from the roadways, automobile exhaust, and the open field at the end of your road." (Open field at end of road contains toxic waste site). She further states, "[a]s you pointed out to me, much of the soil in your neighborhood is comprised of coal and therefore, it is not unusual to find this material blown into the tiny corners and crevices of your house."
	1999
5/10/99	Rich Stanton of City of Buffalo Law and Jim Smith Director of Officer of the Environment attend block club meeting. Informed block club members that only 4 lots were affected and that all effected residents had been notified. They further stated that the contaminants would have to have dermal contact to cause exposure. (Residents later found out this was not true!) Said lots to be remediated would be excavated to 4 - 4 -1/2'. Most areas were dug to at least 8'! though residents were assured no further recontamination would occur, due to clean up being accomplished by fully regulated company. Safety measures described were violated. City officials claimed not to know where foundation soils for these three homes were taken to. City officials denied any culpability in regards to found toxins, claimed that those who dirtied the land were only responsible party. Comprehensive testing of the neighborhood was denied. Jim Smith stated that long term exposure to PAH's would increase risk of cancer by one in a million?!
6/14/99	Rich Stanton attends second block club meeting. Comments included- That DEC was involved in the 1993 excavations (Later found out that DEC consultation was ignored!) Claimed city is not the legally responsible party. When asked who is responsible, Rich Stanton's only answer was that the land was transferred to BURA in 1992.
6/17/99	State assemblyman Brian Higgins write Gerald Mikol of DEC asking for full support for Hickorywoods issues.
8/29/99	Remediation begins on four lots south of Mystic St.
8/30/99	City notifies 19 additional residents with hand delivered letters about toxins on their properties.
9/21/99	Severnson Environmental Services takes out hydrant permit for wash water to reduce dust levels on remediation site and neighborhood. (23 days after digging had started!)
9/30/99	Homeowners have first Association meeting.
10/14/99	Organizational meeting of HWCHA - elected officers.
10/22/99	Waste Management Inc. receives and disposes of 962 gallons on waste described as liquid benzene on hazardous waste manifest. Generator of waste listed as City of Buffalo @ 237 Abby Street.
11/10/99	EMC has monthly meeting-2 homeowners, Judy Robinson of CEC, and Steve Polowitz attend on behalf of the residents. Recommendations coming out of this meeting form much of City's response in coucil and Mayor's office. Later that day- HWCHA meeting - Rich Stanton attends meeting. He states that the city had no "in house" technicians so the city hired ENASCO to conduct soil studies in 1995.
11/17/99	HWCHA in conjunction with CEC hold press conference and call for immediate relocation of residents.
11/18/99	Councilmembers Pitts, LoTempio and Manley hold press conference calling for relocation, remediation, financial remuneration and appropriate public meetings with full public input. Pitts stated, "This project which started in the Griffin Administration has been a blunder from day one and I have never supported it. It is time to face the problems in an honest and comprehensive fashion."
11/30/99	Common Council Meeting - President Pitts presents resolution, Al Coppola calls for investigation by NYSAG, Charlie Fischer adds name to resolution, Rose LoTempio is adamant about all resolution items. Dennis Manley speaks in support, Councilmember Elect Mary Martino speaks on behalf of homeowners, breaking with tradition, several homeowners are allowed to make statements in open council. Pitts questions city law department officials and demands full disclosure to council.
12/02/99	HWCHA meeting
12/07/99	Mayor Masiello writes to City Council in response to resolution #168. States that city will file suit against LTV, Hanna Furnace and National Steel. That the city will stop negotiations on purchase of 200 acre site. He also states that his primary concern is for that of the safety and health of residents. Notice of Intent to sue is sent certified mail to all three companies. Copied on these letters were; Janet Reno, Jeanne Fox, USEPA administrator and NYSAG Eliot Spitzer.
12/08/99	Common Council convenes meeting at Triangle Academy - Resident testimonies concerning illness, illegal dumping and City mismanagement / false statements were central. LTV attorney on site - said little. City office of Environment taken to task over testing , remediation and Benzene outlined in Hazardous Waste Manifest. DEC spoke on ground water contamination and possible air contaminants. Judy Robinson provided TAGM information which contradicted the City's "Urban background" levels.
12/15/99	CEC and HWCHA w/ 7 environmental advocacy groups send letter to Jeanne Fox of EPA, John Cahill of DEC, Antonia Novello of DOH and Governor Pataki outlining concerns and recommendations.
12/16/99	HWCHA meeting - Homeowners met with EPA and DOH officials. Video evidence was presented as anecdotal evidence for testing. City office of environment and legal rep. were in attendance - they had no comment. Homeowners were offered a public availability session to give input for EPA testing parameters and for DOH health counseling .
12/17/99	EPA & DOH officials met with council reps and city officials. Judy Robinson of CEC was in attendance. EPA officials commented that video evidence "Smacked of a cover-up"
12/20/99	Council President James Pitts - sends letter to Dick Salkie requesting quick and complete action.
12/28/99	EMC corresponds to Mayor - outlining their advisory on how to deal with Current Hickorywoods situation and plan for future developments.
	2000
01/4/00	EMC corresponds to Mayor - outlining their advisory on how to deal with Current Hickorywoods situation and plan for future developments.
1/4/00	January 10th letter processed to various governmental agencies and officials outlining brief history and requests for action.
1/12/00	Environmental Management Commission meeting cancelled due to illness. Received letter from Paul Werthman of Turnkey Environmental requesting copies of videos - not supplied to date (2/24/2000)
01/13/00	EPA / DOH Public Availability Session - Residents were to bring in and discuss anecdotal evidence to establish testing parameters for EPA. Many residents felt that discussions with EPA officials indicated a "canned response" testing program. DOH officials were on hand and counseled residents on health matters.
01/14/00	EPA officials toured site.
01/18/00	Five homeowners were interviewed by Luke Moretti for the 11 PM newscast. The 1993 DOH and DEC letters regarding the Huntingdon Soils tests were made public that night. Channel 7 News continues to follow the story
01/18/00	HWCHA sent letters of pleading to assorted government officials and agencies outling in general the current state of affairs. Requested were the following: · Immediate resettlement of residents · Buy-outs of properties · Including Hickory Woods in Superfund site · Immediate remedial investigation w/ public review of test plan · Request for regular monthly information meetings by City, State and Federal agencies · Addressing of all health concerns
1/21/00	Foil request is processed with city requesting any records of testing and /or soil removal in Hickorywoods from Jan 1st thru dec 31st 1993
1/26/00	Foil requests are processed with city requesting copies of land disposition agreements and EMC meeting minutes for 93 Received berm sample reports from DEC per foil request (Show many levels above TAGM)
01/27/00	HWCHA Meeting - Joe Gardella was guest. Joe introduced himself to group, explained his past experience working with environmentally contaminated neighborhoods in the city. He also was invited by city officials to investigate the pollution at Stachowski Park. He explained what the University could assist with (i.e. Environmental anaylsis / testing, possible legal assistance / guidance, student participation in gathering information and other assorted assistance). He cautioned group members that test results done by the college would not hold up in court. These tests would be useful to apply pressure on EPA to conduct their sampling / testing in a scrupulous manner.
01/29/00	Approximately 14 homeowners & J. Robinson of CEC met with Assmblyman Brian Higgins. High points of the meeting were- He would write letters to EPA & DOH regarding upcoming testing and health evaluations. He also suggested that he would urge EPA to provide in depth studies and a 30 day comment period for citizen response. He further stated that he would provide copies of all letters to the HWCHA. Homeowners voiced concerns about buy outs and possible criminality on the part of the City officials during development. Mr. Higgins assured homeowners that the council at the time demanded a thorough program of testing and investigation. He said in effect that if there was a negligence, it was on the part of those reporting to council.
01/30/00	In an article in the Buffalo News dated Jan. 30, 2000, headlined "South Buffalo Brownsfields Targeted as Offices and Marina," Brian Meyer reports that the parcels of land on the former Republic Steel site are owned by LTV steel of Cleveland and the city is embroiled in a bitter legal dispute over environmental contamination in a nearby neighborhood. The controversial Hickorywoods subdivision near Abby St. was also part of the former steel company properties. Kevin Greiner of Buffalo Renaissance Corp. in quoted in the article, "We're being extremely cautious on this project and, frankly, the problems on Abby St. raise our consciousness that much higher."
02/04/00	Meeting with Paul McCarthy of the State Attorney General's Office.( J. Robinson, Steven Polowitz & R. Ammerman) Main thrust of this meeting was that the A.G.s office would only be monitoring the Hickory Woods situation at this time. He expressed some interest in the trucking firm that the City used in the development. He also explained that the A.G.s office must represent any state agency such as the DOH in all their litigation.
02/07/00	Homeowners Association mails out letters of pleading to EPA officials regarding upcoming testing. Of primary concern were the focus of sampling and a public comment period.
02/09/00	R. Ammerman and another homeowner met with Assemblyman Brian Higgins at Abbott Rd. office. Discussed were the upcoming EPA testing, the possibility of a legislative hearing, action under state regulations which could commence prior to any testing to include removal of hydroponics project soils, remediation soils and full contents of berm from LTV property. Environmental Management Commission Meeting - High Points - Commission members to plead to EPA on testing parameters, Video was shown and discussed, Jim Smith of Office of the Environment stated that the City was culpable. Mr. Smith also inferred that the Enasco report was in response to DOH and DEC letters of '93. R. Ammerman reminded him that those two reports (ENASCO & Huntingdon) tested different parcels of land.
02/10/00	Homeowners met with Dr. Joseph Gardella in regards to upcoming EPA testing and SUNYAB involvement. Counseled that he would bring in a variety of options for the association members to decide upon. (A way forward)
02/14/00	Brian Higgins writes Salvatore Page of DOH in re: to EPA and DOH involvement
02/17/00	HWCHA meeting met with Brian Higgins and Joe Gardella discussed upcoming EPA testing, Brian Higgins said that he would hold EPA and DOH to a 30 day response period to his upcoming letters. Pathways to exposure chart disseminated. Next meeting was scheduled for March 16th - 7PM
02/18/00	Council Resolution #251 is adopted calling for a state legislative hearing, the City office of Environment to produce report detailing DOH and EPA actions, The City corporate council to research legal issues in re: resettlement
02/29/00	Buffalo Common Council President James Pitts and Homeowner ssociation President Rick Ammerman travel to Washington to address congressional staff on the Hickory Woods situation and Brownfield Environmental issues. Click here to view the article.
03/16/00	Toxic Tour of the neighborhood with Lois Gibbs. Click here to read the article.
3/30/00	EPA public availability session at Triangle Academy. EPA to present draft sampling plan for resident comments. Residents can come any time during the three hour period to review the plan with the EPA. EPA will also explain the effects of the sampling process (impact and restoration) and propose a time schedule when testing will begin.
3/16/00/TD>	Lois Gibbs will be touring the Hickory Woods neighborhood.
3/16/00/TD>	Home Owners Association meeting at South Buffalo Community Center. Lois Gibbs will be in attendance
03/23/01	A meeting was called for on Thursday, March 23, 2000 by Council President Pitts for homeowner participation. Joe Gardella (University of Buffalo Chemist) presented his prodigious qualifications and spoke concerning issues of interfacing with the mayor's office, delaying the upcoming LTV/City clean-up and including homeowners in those discussions. Homeowners spoke out on disease, lack of city support and dropping property values. EPA officials announced that upcoming testing is close at hand. On Thursday, March 23, 2000, Hickory Woods residents showed up in force at Thursday's "Bipartisan Bash." Leaflets were distributed, and many powerful signs were marched back and forth in front of the Market Arcade. Many of those that attended the Bash were interested and spoke with residents about our situation. Those residents that were inside spoke with several high placed officials in City, County and State government. The Hickory Woods story continues to spread!
06/21/00	Public meeting at Triangle Academy. Presentation of EPA approved draft work plan for remediation of 5 unoccupied lots.draft sampling plan for resident comments. Residents can come any time during
	2001
	EPS test results received by residents
02/8/01	Meeting with Common Council to update and discuss resolution.
02/17/01	Lois Gibbs and Steven Lester will be at the Statler Towers, Georgian Room, to offer their support to Hickory Woods and other communities impacted by environmental contamination. Invited to speak are various elected officials, including Council President James Pitts and Rick Ammerman (President of Hickory Woods Homeowners' Association), The event will begin with a protest march starting at City Hall at 9:00 a.m.