State Senator Joseph Addabbo recently addressed the concerns of Richmond Hill business owners and residents by leading a walking tour with representatives from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY), including Chief Dan Cavanaugh, so they could see the recurring trash problems first-hand and collectively work on solutions.
The tour began at Lefferts Boulevard and Liberty Avenue and proceeded through the four-block commercial corridor ending at 123rd Street.
According to Addabbo, residents are putting household trash in commercial bins, resulting in businesses being unfairly ticketed. To prevent this, DSNY can search the trash cans for proof of residential culprits, such as a piece of mail with a homeowner’s name and address on it, and issue a summons.
During the tour, DSNY representatives let businesses know the length of the sidewalk that they are responsible for cleaning is 18 inches from the curb line. DSNY hopes spreading this information will eliminate the practice of piling garbage inappropriately while increasing sweeping and cleaning in front of businesses.
“Customers are less likely to patronize a business with garbage piled in front of it or trash left by passersby,” Addabbo said. “We want these businesses to thrive and that means being a good neighbor, but it also means creating a supportive relationship with the DSNY, other government agencies and the residents to prevent unfair ticketing or illegal household dumping. I appreciate the cooperative effort of DSNY and look forward to working with them to clean up many areas throughout my district.”
Addabbo said the tour was productive and highlighted areas needing attention, input from local businesses and cooperative efforts along the Liberty Avenue commercial corridor going forward.
