By Jacob Engels
Well, it looks like Bithlo is one step closer to cleaning up a dump in the area that had been shut down by former Orange County Mayor Linda Chapin over 20 years ago. The property on which the old A to Z Recycling business was located was designated as a Brownfield site at a Wednesday county commission meeting. Brownfiled sites are one designation below the EPA’s Superfund category and are defined as a real property that’s development may be complicated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants.
Timothy McKinney, Executive Vice President of United Global Outreach, a local non-profit that stepped into the Bithlo area three years ago to battle the widespread poverty, illiteracy rates, and environmental concerns affecting citizens, said he was happy to see the commission making progress in the Bithlo area.
“This is really just the beginning. United Global Outreach is ready to help in any way we can and look forward to seeing the property become rehabilitated and repurposed,“ explained McKinney.
The East Orlando Post called Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacob’s office for comment and a spokeswoman directed us to Alan Marshall with the Environmental Protection Division. Marshall serves as the divisions Public Information Officer.
“This was the second of two hearings that were needed to assign the dump with the Brownfield designation. Now that it is a Brownfield site, our agency along with the county and the property owner can begin seeking funding and grants to help with the costs that are attached to the clean up.” said Marshall.
On Monday, we should have more information from the Orange County Environmental Protection Division explaining about what specific actions will be taking place, how long the clean up will take, and what methods they will be using to rehabilitate the property. Check back then.
Jacob Engels, is the Founder of East Orlando Post. Along with the Post, he owns several other business and is currently enrolled at Valencia College. Jacob has lived in Avalon Park since it’s founding and enjoys playing with his black Labradoodle Jasper, listening to indie rock, and seeking out new business ventures. He can be reached at info@eastorlandopost.com
