Louisville Metro Councilwoman Attica Scott, D-1, is concerned about lead poisoning at the dozens of vacant properties in her district.Those abandoned homes have lead dust from deteriorated paint, renovation and demolition that is toxic and has been linked to a number of health problems such as lower child I.Q. and attention span, and increased aggressive behavior.Scott's office is partnering with the Network Center for Community Change and the group Lock Up Lead to detoxify the 50 worst vacant properties in the district. She says besides creating blight and economic hardships in many neighborhoods, abandoned homes also pose an environmental risk."I’m definitely concerned about the safety of some of these properties that are in District 1 that are deteriorating and literally leaning to the side and falling apart. And also the issue of lead, the toxic lead levels in some of these properties," she says.Scott is providing $10,000 in discretionary funds to purchase equipment and supplies to detoxify lead at the worst properties in west and southwest Louisville. The initiative launches Tuesday and will utilize youth volunteers who will detoxify vacant homes before they are renovated or demolished.Since taking office Scott has launched a series of initiatives to clean up and clear out District 1. The s. The latest program is aimed at lead poisoning in dozens of vacant properties that will detoxify the 50 worst homes.Scott says she is frustrated that the city lacks the resources to address these sorts of problems, adding residents cannot wait for the city to take action."It’s apparent to me that our city government just does not have the resources to be able to adequately address some of these issues," she says. "And so that’s why we have to step in as metro council members and use the funds that we have in the best way for our districts."
