Throughout the interviews, the phrases and themes “Support for the fund” were referenced 3 times, “Need for community involvement in fund decisions” 19 times, and “Needed reparations and remediation” 17 times. Furthermore, “Concern for the Fund” was coded 9 times. Our research found that general consensus amongst residents is that any funds secured from the project should go into the Hartford community, and that Hartford residents are the primary decision makers. Community members are also concerned about how an environmental fund would be managed, and whether or not promises made would or could be fulfilled. Participants considered themselves dissatisfied with the actions of both MIRA and local government, and cited this as a major source of their hesitancy.
Generally, participants felt that the city should take a more direct role in either remediating the land previously used by MIRA so that it may be repurposed for the benefit of the Hartford community, or in redirecting those funds into various endeavors across the South End and beyond. Participants had limited knowledge in the practical applications of an Environmental Justice Fund, however they understood the need for further investment into the communities most affected by the plant. Some ideas proposed include increasing healthcare facilities, investing in education, and public health education initiatives. Furthermore, participants emphasized the need for Hartford residents to “have a say on where [it] goes” (Tom Swarr, 38:31).
When asked about potential ideas surrounding repurposing or remediating the land formerly used by the MIRA plant, one participant (Diana Heymann) responded “I have no ideas. And I’m going to stay away from that… Because that’s not my concern. My concern is the people of Hartford.” (Heymann 37:27) Like many of the participants, Heymann felt that the priorities of both the city government and MDA council were “mostly political” and that “it’s always been that way. Um, the people I don’t think have ever had a very powerful voice.” (Heymann 39:20)
Another participant had a more enthusiastic perspective. Yahaira Escribano felt that an Environmental Justice fund should be used “Absolutely. I think 110%, and I think those funds need to be used in working with these health institutions, with the state legislators, the community, and right remediating for that. Right, but also education, education, education, education, I think is the biggest thing right now.” (Yahaira 1:08:25)
“Absolutely. I think 110%, and I think those funds need to be used in working with these health institutions, with the state legislators, the community, and right remediating for that. Right, but also education, education, education, education, I think is the biggest thing right now.”
Yahaira Escribano