NEWRA Clean Streets Committee Talks Trash

Once again the NEWRA Clean Streets Committee continues to attract many residents to its monthly meetings held in the Nazzaro Community Center.

Several members had numerous questions regarding Code Enforcement activities in the area.

Some resident said to a City official at the meeting that there has not been enough ticketing of trash violations and the bottle pickers are continuously opening trash bags leaving them open after they retrieve what they want.

Apparently, according to the City official, it’s a matter for the police to address.

Committee members were told, "Trash is your personal property and it’s an arrestable offense."

Scenario..Police officer to bottle picker, "Drop the can or you’re going to the can!"

Judge to police officer, "Can you get your can out of here?"

Other residents claimed that trash is continuously placed in front of their property by someone that doesn’t live there and the landlords are getting the tickets.

They were told that if the "Code Enforcement Office can’t determine whose trash it is, the landlord owns it."

Talk about talking trash.

Chris Young reported that the smoke pots placed throughout the community are still in place and appear to be doing the job. He added that he has a list of requests for these pots and he will deliver them shortly.

Young also advised that the trash information magnets have been distributed through local realtors and that more are available.

The North End Chamber of Commerce sponsored both the magnets and smoke pots.

Mark Paul and Tina Busa advised the committee that a proposal was submitted to the New England Grassroots Environment Fund ($9,000) to promote a cleaner community through education.

Anne Pistorio reported that there continues to be a rodent problem. She suggested a "Starve A Rat" campaign.

The committee selected LaSumma Restaurant as its next business to receive the Clean Streets Committee Recognition Award for consistently cleaning the sidewalk and curb in front of the popular eatery.

The next committee meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 13 at 7pm at the Nazzaro Community Center.