People Pack Public Forum….Titan AWOL Again!

Hundreds of concerned citizens and several local politicians packed the northeast branch of the New Hanover County Library last night for a public forum on the massive cement plant proposed by Titan America. The company once again declined to participate and answer questions from the public, just as they pulled out of a previous forum sponsored by the Star-News.

Local journalist Donn Ansell moderated the discussion with panelists Dr. Larry Cahoon, Dr. Tracy Skrabal, Cape Fear Riverkeeper Doug Springer, and Joel Bourne of StopTitan.org, on the impacts the fourth largest cement plant in the country could have on our local environment and public health. Local politicians in the crowd included three candidates for County Commissioner, Jonathon Barfield, Jr., Brian Berger, and Commissioner Ted Davis, as well as Representative Sandra Spaulding Hughes, Senator Julia Boseman, and former Wilmington Councilwoman Pat DeLair.

As more information comes to light about the pollution from the proposed plant, more and more politicians are starting to oppose it. Jonathan Barfield, Jr. last night told StopTitan organizers that he was 100 % behind the movement, while Brian Berger has been outspoken about his opposition to the plant for weeks. Julia Boseman has intimated that she will be coming out publicly against Titan soon. Hughes expressed concern about the plant, but said she needed to do more research, adding that “people power” will prevail. Rock on Sandra! Even Commissioner Ted Davis, who voted for the $4.1 million incentive package to lure Titan to town, seems to be changing his tune a bit, and we’re hoping for a full-on conversion, so keep those emails to him flowing.

Thanks to all who came and showed their support. More than 120 yard signs and countless bumper stickers went out the door so look for them in your neighborhood. Anyone who would like one can call our new 800 number, (800) 852-5593, and we’ll do our best to get them to you.

For local news coverage of the event, check out Chris Mazzolini’s piece in today’s Star-News.

Star News: Crowd full of questions about proposed cement plant
Announcement: CONA’s Titan Cement Issue: Public Forum
Forum photos from the Stop Titan image gallery