|
Wilmington has lost again in its attempts to be a leader in economic growth and clean industry.
On June 3, national headlines confirmed that Apple, Inc., the computer pioneer is building a data center in North Carolina. This is a huge win for our state, but not for Wilmington, because this state-of-the-art data center is not being built here.
Rather than inviting an internationally renowned, environmentally friendly company to our beautiful, beloved Wilmington, the New Hanover County commissioners and former Gov. Easley lured a dirty, polluting industry, Titan Cement to our region. This was ignorant and inexcusable: here's why.
For those touting Titan's economic prowess, they will be awed by Apple's economic benefits. Apple is a $1 billion investment that will provide 50 full-time jobs, an additional 250 jobs for site maintenance, and over 3,000 related jobs in the region. Titan Cement is a $450 million investment that will provide a mere 161 jobs. There is absolutely no comparison between the economic benefits, Apple is the champion, by far.
Regarding environmental impacts, Apple will be a non-polluting facility with safe working conditions. Titan Cement will be the 4th largest cement plant in the US. Its workers and the Wilmington children and residents will be exposed to hexavalent chromium, 700 tons of particulate matter, and up to 263 lbs. of mercury per year, all of which cause significant health problems including cancer.
I am shocked that we are still having the debate about the "economic gains" that Titan will bring to the area. We don't want our children at risk for asthma, autism, or cancer. We don't want our environment and plentiful amenities destroyed, and a barren wasteland for our future generations. What we want is a company like Apple, bringing high-tech, environmentally friendly jobs to Wilmington. When will we, the public, say enough is enough? How about TODAY. Blame your county commissioners and former Gov. Easley for bringing Titan to the area. Ask them why they didn't bring Apple. Are you ready to get serious about booting Titan out of town? Now is your chance.
Send a letter to the editor for Star News. Explain why you are upset that Wilmington brought Titan to our town and not Apple. Demand that our county commissioners kick Titan out of town, and contact your State Senators and ask them to support Senate Bill 699. Please email them and call them today! One phone call is worth at least 10 emails, so get to the phones and encourage 10 friends to do the same. David Pinsky UNCWECO.com
|
I am against Titan and want the NHC c...
Sometimes decisions are made on too l...
Obviously, the point can be made that...
Let's feed the wolf some mercury fish.
I posted some more photos from the Ra...
We can do amazing things when we come...