CAG Members Present: Celeste LeCompte, Emily Mitchell, Jason Schwartzman (Moderator)
Guests: Natalie Loney, EPA Region 2
1. CAG Representation Survey Results and Implications for Outreach
The committee reviewed results from the recent CAG internal survey intended to identify strengths and gaps in its representation of the broader Gowanus community, and opportunities to extend the CAG’s outreach. The presentation highlighted where the CAG’s current membership is under-represented, including but not limited to geography, type of housing, and professions. Areas of strength were also highlighted.
Committee and overall CAG members are encouraged to listen to the presentation of the findings here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wi6gmrZHi4NKQREvSEA-vN3CwrUprIF5/view?usp=sharing
Implications: Committee discussion focused on what might be priority actions for outreach, with the following points:
·Align outreach campaigns with high-interest topics (examples: Soil Vapor Intrusion town hall and outreach to areas where past results are of concern, Thomas Greene Park construction/testing updates and NYCHA residents, excavation/construction of the former Citizens MGP site and surrounding blocks).
·Target residential buildings, schools and businesses physically closest to active remediation areas where residents/workers may feel the immediate impacts.
·Leverage the reach of organizations represented on the CAG to share information through their networks.
·Engage newly constructed residential buildings where interest and demand for more info about flooding, soil vapor, odors and access to public spaces may be high.
·Create introductory Q&A documents for new residents and community members asking foundational questions about Superfund safety, air/water quality, flooding and the cleanup timeline.
·Distribute information through building/community bulletin boards, online community managers and neighborhood events.
·Translate key CAG documents and updates into Spanish and Simplified Chinese.
·Reach out to local business associations (e.g., the Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation–SBIDC–to understand their specific cleanup concerns (such as bulkheads, liability, and construction logistics).
2. Public-Facing General Meeting Notes
The committee expressed effusive appreciation to Erica Eliason for taking detailed notes at the monthly General Meeting, and her commitment to continue to play this role!
3. Outreach Events Calendar
The upcoming Thomas Greene Park event was flagged as an outreach opportunity, and Celeste confirmed that the Dredgers put out laminated information sheets at their events, but invited CAG members to join events to informally talk to folks.
Due to light attendance, the Committee agreed to defer discussion of the draft External Communications Plan and outreach to Jo Anne Simon’s office until the next meeting.