ATLANTA – State Representative Doreen Carter (D-Lithonia) issued the following statement today in response to the continued controversy surrounding Metro Green Recycling’s operations in South DeKalb:
“I am deeply disturbed by the blatant disregard Metro Green Recycling has shown for the health, safety and voices of the residents of South DeKalb. For years, this concrete recycling plant—located directly adjacent to several residential subdivisions—has posed a threat to the quality of life for families who deserve clean air, peace of mind and respect.
Metro Green continues to claim they want to be a community partner, yet their actions say otherwise. Their use of intimidation and legal pressure to override the City of Stonecrest’s decision is unacceptable. The original solid waste permit was issued under false pretenses, and rather than relocating as required, the company chose to move forward with construction, showing total disregard for due process and the well-being of the surrounding neighborhoods.
At a recent public hearing, their attorney boldly claimed that Metro Green is ‘not going away’ and criticized the city for defending its residents through legal channels. This is not partnership—it’s corporate bullying. And in a predominantly Black community, it reeks of the kind of environmental racism we’ve seen time and time again.
Equally troubling is the failure of Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division (EPD) and Attorney General Chris Carr to stand up for this community at the beginning of this process. Their inaction allowed this situation to escalate, leaving residents vulnerable and forced to fight for themselves against an entity that never should have been permitted to operate in the first place.
I want to personally thank the residents of Windsor Downs and surrounding neighborhoods for their tireless advocacy and courage in standing up for their community’s health. I also commend the City of Stonecrest for refusing to back down in the face of pressure. We will continue to stand united against entities that seek to profit at the expense of our people’s well-being.”
Representative Doreen Carter represents the citizens of District 93, which includes portions of DeKalb, Gwinnett and Rockdale counties. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2015 and currently serves on the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs, Code Revision, Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Small Business Development committees.
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