TOWN OF NIAGARA, N.Y. (WBEN).......For the second week in a row, there will be a key informational meeting about contaminated radioactive materials found in the backyards and homes across the Town of Niagara.
But, this one should 180 degrees different from the July 20 state-backed meeting in Niagara Falls that disintegrated quickly as residents became frustrated with the lack of answers and techno-speak from the presenters.
Tonight's meeting is being run by the Save Our Backyards committee and will be run by impacted homeowners for their neighbors, friends and other interested parties.
Several hundred people are expected to attend.
"This whole thing feels like a nightmare," said Lexi Hawk, a Chester Avenue homeowner in the Town of Niagara's Military Park subdivision.
Hawk is one of four Military Park homeowners whose properties appear to be ground zero of the reported radioactive contamination.
"This has been going on since 2023 and we still don't have any answers," Hawk said. "Yes, I'm scared and frustrated."
Hawk moved into her house five years. It passed every inspection.
Hawk grew up in the neighborhood and, in recent years watched her grandmother die from a rare blood cancer and, herself has been diagnosed the rare visual snow syndrome that gives her massive migraine headaches.
Yet, Hawk remains in her house and has gotten only limited relocation information from state officials.
"It seems like they are very ill-prepared for this," Hawk said.
Tonight's meeting is designed to provide at least some basic information for impacted homeowners.
While the Military Park neighborhood has been pinpointed, Hawk said given the region's industrial past - the same issue she is dealing with could crop up in any Niagara or Erie County neighborhood.
The Military Park issue is just the latest in a series of environmental issues that have haunted Niagara County.
"I just wish we could get some answers," Hawk said.
The meeting begins at 6 p.m. at the Wyndham Garden Hotel, 443 Main Street in Niagara Falls.
Homeowners hope to answer some questions about contamination issues
Homeowners hope to answer some questions about contamination issues
