On Tuesday a reader and resident of the West Ward reported to me, that this week on South 7th Street, residents dutifully got up at 6:30am to be able to move their cars by 7am, so as to not get parking tickets when the street sweeper came through. Residents on the street have been frustrated with the city, because when the new street sweeping
program went in, the new streets were put on a 9am - noon schedule, so that residents would not have to get up early and move their cars before leaving for work, but could simply leave for their 9-5 and know that everything would be fine. They wanted the hours changed on their street too, where the hours have always been 7-8am and a weekly source of agitation and lost rest for residents.
Well, this Tuesday, everyone moved their cars and then...no street sweeper. Needless to say they are not happy about it. I went by to check in the afternoon and take this photo, and sure enough all the litter was still in the street.
Now, this is what bothers me about this. A couple of weeks ago, on my street, the street sweeper failed to come through. I called the Public Works department to ask why. The woman who answered the phone didn't know and said she would check and call me back, which she did, very quickly. She said that one of the street sweepers was down, so they were not able to get to all the streets that day, but that they would definitely get them all the next week. I gave her both my phone number and email address, and asked her to pass them on to Dave Hopkins, Director of Public Works, so that if that ever happens again, I can save us both a few phone calls, by putting the word out to residents that they don't have to move their cars that day. She said she would pass it on.
Being that that was a couple of weeks ago, the fact that this just happened on South 7th Street, a block away from me, bothers me, because if they had taken my suggestion and emailed me, I could have posted it and sent it out to my neighborhood email list to get the word out, saving residents the need to get up early (if it was already broken the night before) or to at least explain to residents and pass on the city's apology, if it broke that morning and there wasn't time to save them the trouble.
But I think what would make everybody happiest--and cut down on communications for all involved--would be to change the "No Parking" signs to 9am - noon, so that none of us--especially the residents of 7th Street--would have to worry about it.
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13 comments:
Or we could just discontinue this waste of tax payers money and people could have pride in the neighborhoods and pick up their own litter.
I'm not saying the street sweeping doesn't make a difference, it does. But not too many years ago things like this weren't necessary. People had pride in their homes and neighborhoods.
It is time to have a conversation with residents on how best to balance the need for clean streets and parking issues, especially in very dense neighborhoods. I believe if this conversation is opened we will be able to find that balance
Mike, fair and balanced, yes! Anon--I'm 60 years old and grew up with street sweepers, so I'm not sure what you mean by "not too many years ago things lie this weren't necessary."
I can't believe what I am reading. First some are complaining that their street wasn't cleaned becasue of a mechanical failure. Life is tough. But you are getting your streets cleaned all other weeks. The a candidate wants to bring people together to discuss the issue. We did that and that's what led the city to change the times. They were cooperative. If this street still has a problem have them call the mayor. That's all it took last time for our block. Again, thank you city of Easton.
This comment was emailed in to me--
Carinne posts:
I personally made phone calls and sent an email requesting a time change for 7th Street. It is a matter of consistency and respect. However, if there is no money to change the signs, and/or if it is cost saving to keep the old schedule as is, I accept that… so long as the street is in fact cleaned! There have been many times each year that the weather is bright and sunny and yet no cleaning is completed. Some residents and passer bys literally toss garbage onto the street and sidewalks. Others do not package their garbage appropriately into covered cans so it blows out with wind or is dumped by animals. In other words cleaning is always needed. If communication would occur regarding equipment issues it would be appreciated. Also it would alleviate questions such as “Are they wasting tax payer’s money” , “Is someone saying they are doing it when they are not?”, and “Is there no quality assurance in place?”…
Just want to say that the street cleaning initiative has been the best thing to happen to the West Ward. On occasion, the sweeper doesn't come by (weather related?), and when that happens, the litter is very evident. Thank you to the city for funding this essential program.
i was happy to see it got my street today...but i am also happy that i don't have to move my car before 7am like the 7th Street folks do!
on NORTH 7th St, we have ninja street sweepers; no signs posted, they sweep the street, but no one sees them, they strike without warning.
awesome--do they have some ninja signal that we can shine at the sky when we need them, like batman?
We park somewhere else the night before and don't have to get up and do it then. Is this not possible on 7th?
very tight--and on a steep hill.
I had a good friend who lived on S 7th. She never had a problem getting a spot off the street the night before cleaning. It's a certain amount of hassle but what thing of value isn't worth a little hassle?
DRL
Boy I never understood all the complaining in Easton about "parking" you should try it in NYC or Phila. There is no parking problem here just an obesity and consequent orthopedic problem. Park somewhere else the night before. Once a week. That is really not to much to ask in return for a civilized community with decently clean streets.
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