The Hogsett administration has been on a mission to direct attention on issues and opportunities in neighborhoods since taking office in January. On September 13, the mayor, Jason Larrison Director of Business and Neighborhood Services, and City-County Councilman Blake Johnson met in the Grace Tuxedo neighborhood on the east side to bring attention to illegal dumping in alleys and announce a major trash sweep. A big pile of illegally dumped household items served as a backdrop to the news conference.
Noting that there have been at least 80 complaints from neighbors about illegal dumping this year, Hogsett said that his administration had directed the Department of Public Works, the health department, and other agencies to search out illegal dumping grounds and removed debris. Evidence collected from the sites would be used to track down the people dumping trash in the neighborhoods. “This is a quality of life issue,” he stated. “This is a test run for the rest of the city.”
Larrison also noted that there would be multiple sweeps throughout neighborhoods in the coming weeks. “If you see something, say something,” he instructed. Residents who see illegal dumping activity in their neighborhood are urged to call the Mayor’s Action Center at 317-327-4MAC or report information online at http://maps.indy.gov/RequestIndy/. When reporting illegal dumping, provide as much information as possible, including the type of truck and any signage that will help track the dumpers.
Illegal dumping in alleyways, overgrown empty lots, and other sites is not only unsightly, but is a magnet for vermin and a health hazard. Left unchecked, it is a signal to criminals that the neighbors don’t care about the area, making it a target for other illegal activities.
One of the best things neighbors can do to help control illegal dumping is to be wary of unlicensed haulers. Deal only with reputable, licensed hauling companies, or contractors who work with licensed haulers. The cost to dump a pick-up truck load of waste at the Marion County Citizens’ Transfer Station, located at 2324 S. Belmont Ave, is $5. Always review the background of haulers you are interested in using to ensure their business operations are legitimate.
Councilman Johnson, who represents part of the east side, said that the initiative was just the beginning of the cleanup of neighborhoods that have been overlooked in the past. “There will be a lot more citations in the future. This is just the beginning.”
