CLEVELAND — Cleveland community groups in the Shaker Square, South Moreland and Buckeye neighborhoods are reporting litter and litter issues plaguing their streets, parks and businesses.
Moreland Group volunteer Joanne Blanchard pointed to the chronic overflow of trash cans near bus stops and neighborhood businesses. Blanchard said she has been picking up trash in her community for years and said the city’s filled trash cans are contributing to a growing roadside litter problem.
“I see a lot, unfortunately, a lot of trash,” Blanchard said. “There is a very big litter problem. I pick up in the park when I walk my dog.
Chip Bromley, director of the Shaker Square Alliance, told News 5 that the city of Cleveland needs to provide more consistent garbage collection services for the city’s trash cans.
“Well, that looks terrible; I mean you look up and down South Moreland and it looks awful,” Bromley said. “The problem is there’s really no systemic response other than the people doing it. themselves.”
“Invest in better trash cans. In San Francisco they have sensors in their trash cans, these sensors let the city know that the trash can is filling up. We also want garbage cans to be picked up more regularly. So if it’s once a week, then it should be twice a week, it should be three times a week. The reality is that the city does not have the resources to do this job.
“The key is to have a small tax levy among apartment owners and commercial landlords, and that money provides the resources for ambassadors to pick up trash.”
Render Rob
Buckeye neighborhood activist Rob Render sent photos of overflowing city trash cans to News 5 on March 16. Render said the city responded and emptied the trash the next day. However, News 5 found some of the cans were overflowing again on March 18.
Render said if the trash can issues aren’t resolved quickly, it will further hurt local businesses.
“So I look at Buckeye and I’m like, this is dark, this is dirty, this is dull, this is disgusting,” Render said. “And that’s a calamity, and you’re wondering, that’s a huge problem, why would I want to go out there and patronize a business if there’s garbage everywhere?”
Render said his community on the east side of Cleveland will launch his “Nehemiah Project” in May. The program will activate volunteers for garbage and litter pick-up, and will be led by several local churches and organizations.
Meanwhile, Blanchard said a solution to the litter and trash problem is rooted in community awareness and a new mindset. Blanchard sent a message to visitors and residents of his neighborhood.
“It feels like the area is neglected, anything can go and it’s a downward spiral,” Blanchard said. “Please don’t litter. If you don’t want him in your car, why do you think we want him on the street? »