Most neighbors tell NBC25 they're not sure what they're going to do. They just received the information. However, all parties say it is a good first step.
The properties south of Eastlawn, west of Waldo, and east of Rodd Street qualify for dioxin testing and potential remediation.
Residents have the option of having dow test their soil.
If dioxin if found in 250 parts per trillion, the homeowner has the option to have Dow strip 12 inches of soil, replace it, and replant vegetation.
Lavona Reed has lived in the area for 36 years. She says, "It sounds like a good idea because you don't want to live where it's not safe."
Donna Schultz has lived here 15-years and while she's still concerned about potential health risks, she believes Dow is making the right move. "I wouldn't have a problem. They can come test my lawn. I'd love a new lawn," says Schultz.
Dow has offered two smaller areas within the resolution area to buy their properties and give the land to Midland Tomorrow, the city's economic development component.
Midland Tomorrow CEO Scott Walker tells NBC25, "This is a proactive approach for Midland to take a look at a legacy industrial area and rather than just see it continue to decline in the future, but really adopt a proactive approach to see if there is something we can do as a community to bring it back."
Midland Tomorrow says there's no immediate plan for the properties that sell.
Residents NBC25 talked to wonder if their home values will improve with remediation and whether this is the best resolution to a long-time contamination.
A lot of those questions are expected to be answered at a March 1st informational meeting at Central Middle School.
