Concerned residents of the neighborhood surrounding Zavala Elementary School asked City Council on Thursday to address the effects of hazardous industrial material use from nearby plants.
"Of all the schools in the Austin Independent School District, Zavala has the fifth-greatest exposure to industrial uses," said Sunshine Mathon, who works with the East Austin Environmental Justice Pilot Project.
There are 72 hazardous sites within a half-mile of Zavala Elementary, said Elizabeth Walsh, who also works with the project.
A survey given to children in the area revealed that children avoid certain industrial sites when walking in the community, she said.
Since 2003, there have been more than 700 properties rezoned in the area, but there are still industries bringing hazardous chemicals into the community, said Austin resident Susan Almanza.
"We've rezoned, but now we have to start relocating these dangerous industries [out of] our community," she said.
Erika Gonzales, who also spoke on behalf of the community, said she helped survey the neighborhood surrounding an industrial site, which included more than 40 households. Many households were unaware of the chemicals being used in the area and reported being able to smell it from classrooms in the school.
"I completely agree with you," said councilman Mike Martinez. "I do not think that this is an appropriate place for this industrial site."
Also during Thursdays' meeting, City Council approved SweatFree's motion requiring the city to use clothing contractors that refrain from sweatshop labor practices.
"We are very pleased that the Austin City Council is standing up for workers, rights and human dignity," said Carla Cheatman, executive director of the Religion and Labor Network of Austin, in a written statement.
Established in 2004, the Network works to improve working conditions for low-income and middle-income families.
The Council also authorized planning for a service to provide African-American cultural training for the Austin Police Department employees and approved a resolution to develop policy that would allow the public to watch civil-service disciplinary appeal hearings of APD and the Austin Fire Department on Channel 6.
"These appeal hearings are already open to the public, but by broadcasting them on television, more citizens can understand the situation surrounding each case," councilwoman Sheryl Cole said in a written statement.
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