On a sunny Friday in June 2026, community members gathered in the Town of Tonawanda, N.Y., to commemorate a significant environmental milestone. Five years had passed since the iconic Tonawanda Coke smokestacks were imploded, marking the end of a chapter that had long been associated with pollution and health concerns.
The event was not just a celebration of the past but also a look toward the future of the former industrial property. For many, it was a moment to honor the persistence and dedication of those who had fought for environmental accountability at the site.
Two Decades of Advocacy
For community advocates like Jackie Jamesdirector of Citizen Science Community Resourcesthe anniversary represented years of relentless effort. “We watched those stacks, watched that billowing black smoke coming out of there so many times, and it was going to be over with,” James recalled.
James and other advocates had spent two decades pushing for change. Their efforts culminated in the demolition of the smokestacks, a symbolic victory for the community. Board member Jean Harmon reflected on the significance of the milestone, stating, “It’s a wonderful day to celebrate five years, because what Jackie proved is that a small group of people, if they’re determined enough and they believe in their cause, they can make things happen.”
Personal Stories of Impact
The fight against the Tonawanda Coke plant was deeply personal for many residents. Anne Adamsanother board member, shared her story of how a chemical leak near the facility impacted her health. “I actually ended up very sick, which is how I joined Jackie’s group in 2010,” Adams said. “They had a huge leak here, and I was living in Kenmore at the time, and I ended up having a horrible burn in my lung and esophagus that I’m still dealing with today.”
Adams’ experience underscored the urgent need for environmental responsibility and the lasting impact of the community’s advocacy. Harmon added that many residents may not realize how much the air quality has improved since the plant closed. “People in the Town of Tonawanda don’t realize that the air they breathe is cleaner because of Jackie James,” she said.
Looking Ahead
As the community reflects on the past, advocates are also focused on the future of the site. Citizen Science Community Resources supports a proposed statewide moratorium on new large-scale data center permits while environmental reviews continue. This conversation is particularly relevant as developers have proposed an AI data center at the former Tonawanda Coke property.
James expressed her concerns about the potential for new environmental issues. “We worked so hard for 20 years to remove an environmental disaster, and to replace it with something that could be maybe just as bad. It just that doesn’t personally sit right with me,” she said. The group wants to ensure that any future development is environmentally responsible.
Community members hope that whatever comes next for the property will create jobs while also protecting the environment for future generations. Harmon noted that the younger generation is much more environmentally conscious than previous generations. “The younger generation is much more environmentally conscious than we were. I mean, we didn’t know that these chemicals were polluting the earth 50, 60, 70, years ago. And I think that younger people are very much interested in the environment and the world that they live in,” she said.
The anniversary of the Tonawanda Coke smokestacks demolition serves as a reminder of what a determined community can achieve. It also highlights the ongoing need for environmental stewardship and the importance of educating future generations about the impact of their actions on the planet.
