[FlourChild]

We are looking at the possibility of my husband's finding a job at Anniston Army Depot, and would probably want to live in Jacksonville or Alexandria. We're both from Alabama (Huntsville), currently living in SW GA and hating it. Is there anything we should beware in the Anniston area (overly-high rates of pollution, crime, more tornadoes than anyone should have to deal with, spiders big enough to have paper routes, etc.)? Any recommendations, dos or don'ts, experiences to share?

Thanks in advance to anyone with information to share.

[Southlander]

I thought they were closing down the depot, destroying the nerve gas that it stored. If it's not closed, it will be fairly soon. LOL on the spiders!

[FlourChild]

Originally Posted by Southlander

I thought they were closing down the depot, destroying the nerve gas that it stored. If it's not closed, it will be fairly soon. LOL on the spiders!

The chemical-weapons and munitions stuff is defunct. But AAD still does depot-level maintenance on other equipment. There's a lot of work scope overlap between MCLB Albany and AAD, in fact, even though they're different branches of the military.

[Threestep]

Originally Posted by Southlander

I thought they were closing down the depot, destroying the nerve gas that it stored. If it's not closed, it will be fairly soon. LOL on the spiders!

Base was closed not The Depot.

[eufaula88]

As long as there is a war, the AAD will run 24/7. They are CONSTANTLY working.

[FlourChild]

Originally Posted by eufaula88

As long as there is a war, the AAD will run 24/7. They are CONSTANTLY working.

So is MCLB Albany. That's one reason we're looking at moving: mandatory 60- to 72-hour workweeks. My husband is already working hard, has for a long time, and has no problem with working hard. What he would like is a happier medium, one in which he actually gets to see the family he's supporting from time to time.

[recycled]

West side of Anniston received a lot of nationwide publicity about 4 or 5 years ago related to the decades long PCB dumping from a former Monsanto plant. I remember seeing the report on CBS 60 Minutes. I know many of those reports tend to pour gas on the fire, but it nonetheless was a pretty scathing story. The PCB got into the soil in some parts of west Anniston and also into some drinking water. Is this still a big issue around Anniston? What was the outcome of the cleanup?

[FlourChild]

Originally Posted by recycled

West side of Anniston received a lot of nationwide publicity about 4 or 5 years ago related to the decades long PCB dumping from a former Monsanto plant. I remember seeing the report on CBS 60 Minutes. I know many of those reports tend to pour gas on the fire, but it nonetheless was a pretty scathing story. The PCB got into the soil in some parts of west Anniston and also into some drinking water. Is this still a big issue around Anniston? What was the outcome of the cleanup?

I have consulted several environmental/chemical engineers (people involved in NEPA processes) and was told that the contaminated area is fairly limited. Another friend, who used to live there years ago, assures me that she believes it's not an unsafe place to live, but that you probably wouldn't want to go LOOKING for a home in W Anniston, because of the factors you mentioned. What I'm trying to find out is whether the contamination is known (by residents/frequent visitors) to have spread to a wider area.

Anecdotal evidence has its place, just as statistics do, because it puts faces on the statistics. Both can be interpreted or made to say just about anything, and I'm aware of that, but this entire forum is based on anecdotes/personal experiences, so that's what I'm looking for, hopefully from someone who lives in or around there now. Again, thanks to anyone and everyone who has info to offer.

[Mangham]

I use to live in Anniston and I tell ya it was just completely rediculous... I do feel sorry for the people and their troubles all there bad health and all that, but living there all they did was go out and buy exdpensive cars, was to me a scam.... and a sham. They should have moved, but they didn't they still remain there today. I lived in East Anniston. I will be the first to tell you as a person who lived there for the majority of her life loved Anniston. I moved because I now live with my girlfriend, but Anniston/Oxford is a great place. My parents and other family members work at the Depot as it is called locally. You may want to check out Wedowee for land or even Jacksonville not all that crazy about Heflin because of the chicken plants because when the wind shifts you really don't want to get a whiff of the air.... not so pleasent. Munford is cool, but not crazy about the lameness of it some of the people can be quite ignorant... I have relatives that live out there so I know if you want more of laid-back yet semi cosmopolitan life then Anniston or Oxford is the place to be. There is the financial devide though in Anniston. You want property East of Quintard Avenue. Not west you really don't want to focus in the Wellborn Area in my opinion the folks out there can be quite rough... Not to mention all the hoopla with crappy soil in the west Anniston area East Anniston is much more cleaner.... and the people I will tell you in East Anniston can some what be snooty, but that is because the higher you get on the hill better known locally as Tenth Street Mountian the more money you got I am sure you could find a nice lot around Hillyer High just ask a realtor in the area and they should be able to point you in the right direction. Look up Patricia King she is with King Realty... she owns so much property in Anniston that it is amazing, but give her a call. Jacksonville is nifty as well, but I hope that I have helped you out... with what you needed. What can I say I live in Gardendale and love it very much, but some how some way Anniston still owns a large piece of stock in my heart.

[FlourChild]

Thanks, Mangham!