LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Givaudan company starting to show more presence in Louisville after the president answered some questions in a Friday afternoon Zoom news conference.
An explosion occurred in the company's plant Tuesday, killing two and injuring several others, as well as causing damage to neighboring properties. Since the event, the company has been criticized for its lack of presence during the response process by neighbors, their association and Louisville's mayor.
After releasing a statement Thursday and informing the public of it's plan to attend the community meeting Monday, Givaudan's President Ann Leonard said they were "accountable."
"We have tried very hard to be a good resident of the neighborhood," said Leonard.
Watching the clip back, Payne Street resident Nancy Nehring disagreed.
"Nothing's been done about the odors. I constantly hear alarms going off," said Nehring. "No, it doesn't seem neighborly to me."
Nehring had a large metal piece of debris in her front yard before it was removed Thursday. Other debris is scattered in her lawn, on her roof, and there are cracks and damages inside her home. Before Friday, Nehring had never known of Leonard. She's lived in her home for 12 years.
Haldeman Avenue resident Hilary Ford does believe Givaudan has been good neighbors. She spoke about community events the company has sponsored, and when caramel covered residents' cars and homes, the company gave out car wash vouchers and power-washed their homes.
"Having businesses like this in Louisville is good for Louisville," said Ford. "It's just having them in a residential area isn't the best."
Ford was able to tune into the Zoom news conference on Givaudan's website.
"I don't feel like there was anything they said today that couldn't have been said on Wednesday," said Ford.
Givaudan released ways for people to ask questions and submit property damage. Ford reported her damages through the email provided by the company, while Nehring called the number on Friday.
"[The receiver] was absolutely clueless, had no idea what I was talking about," Nehring said while describing her first call to the number.
Nehring called again and again later in the day and was able to get the help she needed.
The company has hired a third-party company, Belfor, to take their calls. Leonard said this is because the company would not be able to handle the requests. She was asked about the issues with the hotline.
"I can simply tell you that was not our experience when we tested the line," said Leonard.
People are thankful to start seeing progress and look forward to meeting face-to-face with the company.
"We are prioritizing taking care of the community we have been a part of for more than 70 years," Leonard said.
"Silence, it's deafening," Ford said. "And it really kind of contradicts what she just said."
People are eager to hear from the company at Monday's Clifton Community Council meeting. They want to know what the company will be doing for them, and want to discuss getting the company out of the neighborhood.
"Lives are worth more than a factory," Nehring said.
Leonard said the company plans to compensate people, and wants to focus on the response process before the possibility of the company moving.
The meeting is inside the United Crescent Hill Ministries building on State Street at 6 p.m.
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