City Council candidates Paul Pogozelski and Alicia Vaichunas joined forces on Thursday, Jan. 9, to co-host a Middle Village Property Owners and Residents Association (MVPORA) meeting aimed at helping local residents navigate new DSNY regulations and avoid fines.
The meeting provided essential guidance for homeowners and tenants on how to comply with the updated trash containerization rules, which will take full effect by June 2026. A representative from the Department of Sanitation (DSNY) also attended to explain the details of the mandate and answer questions.
Under the new regulations, all properties with one to nine residential units, including single-family homes, must place trash in bins no larger than 55 gallons with secure lids. Following a grace period that ended on Jan. 2, the rules are now being actively enforced, with fines set at $50 for a first offense, $100 for a second, and $200 for subsequent violations.
Pogozelski and Vaichunas, who are both running for City Council in District 30, emphasized the importance of understanding the regulations in advance to avoid penalties. They encouraged attendees to take advantage of the resources provided at the meeting and shared tips on how to comply with the updated policies.
“We want to ensure our residents have all the information they need to adapt to these changes and avoid unnecessary fines,” Pogozelski said, urging the community to stay informed and engaged.
Pogozelski also highlighted the value of staying connected with local representatives and city agencies for additional support and clarification on the regulations. Vaichunas echoed his sentiments, emphasizing that proactive communication and education are critical to helping residents transition smoothly to the new requirements.
In addition to the sanitation-focused discussion, Pogozelski and Vaichunas also took the opportunity to inform the community about Mayor Adam’s development initiative, City of Yes. This initiative is designed to create more housing opportunities in neighborhoods like Middle Village by making it easier to build and expand affordable housing in underutilized spaces.
Adams’ plan aims to address New York’s housing crisis by increasing the availability of housing while maintaining the character of the city’s neighborhoods. Carbon Neutrality is another big aim for the plan by transforming the energy grid, retrofitting buildings, and shifting to electric vehicles, transit, and other modes.
The initiative has sparked some controversy, but it represents an effort to ensure New York continues to grow and adapt to the evolving needs of its residents. It also seeks to reduce barriers for local businesses and homeowners by streamlining zoning and construction laws, making it easier to navigate regulations in a changing cityscape.
Both candidates, along with the DSNY representative, reassured the community of their commitment to providing ongoing resources and support, helping residents fully understand and comply with the upcoming changes.
As new rules and initiatives take shape, the efforts of Pogozelski and Vaichunas to educate and engage constituents are widely regarded as a proactive step toward ensuring a smoother transition for the Middle Village community.
