Grass Root Alternatives
For Addressing Problems
You Find in Your Neighborhoods
Anyone who lives in a neighborhood can probably relate to the constant blight problems that pop up, large or small. The issue could be abandoned cars on a property, trash that gets set out too early, or trash that never gets picked up because of improper handling by the resident. The city is not always responsive to our requests to have these issues addressed, so what are some alternatives, some "grass roots, thinking out of the box," things we can do?
Litter:
Carry a grocery sack with you when you walk, and pick up litter if you see it. Don’t just walk by. My father use to always say, that he felt like he was just as guilty to walk by… trash that was lying there, as the person who tossed it there in the first place. He carried a bag with him whenever he walked and picked trash up.
Leaf or Snow accumulation:
No… it is not your job, but get a few neighbors together to do it, or do it yourself. The property owner may catch on and start doing it him/her self or they may not, but at least it makes the neighborhood look better and you feel better. It also sets a good example to other residents.
Abandoned cars, improperly prepared refuse, scattered refuse:
Try writing a polite letter explaining to the home owner that you care about your neighborhood and how it looks, and site the problem that is taking away from the beauty of the neighborhood. BE POLITE. Tape it to the front door of the house. You can be anonymous. You may even have to call the city yourself to find out what the proper way of setting some items out for trash pick up are, and include that in your note. For example, old carpeting needs to be cut into three foot sections, rolled, and tied up. Tell them the day trash is picked up and ask them to put it out the day before. No… it is not your job to have to call and find out that information, but it may get the job done and set a good example. When residents know that other neighbors are watching them, are aware of what they are doing, and that other neighbors CARE, sometimes things can happen.
Think out of the box!
Chris Monk, Program Assistant
Keep Genesee County Beautiful - 2006
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