Residents demand action on persistent sanitation issues in Bronx neighborhoods

The Bronx Community Development meeting held on February 19, 2025, focused on pressing issues related to land use and sanitation in the area. The discussions highlighted ongoing concerns about sanitation services, particularly the frequency and effectiveness of trash collection.

The meeting began with a review of the current state of sanitation in the Bronx, where participants noted a significant number of sanitation workers retiring. This has raised questions about the hiring process and the overall efficiency of waste management services. One participant expressed frustration over delayed trash pickups, recounting a specific instance where a scheduled collection did not occur until late in the day, leading to confusion among residents.

Concerns were raised about the cleanliness of neighborhoods, particularly between Burke Avenue and Mace Avenue, with one resident describing the area as "dirty" and likening it to a "trash bin." The lack of regular trash pickup was emphasized, with reports of garbage accumulating for weeks or even months. Participants discussed the role of the 311 service in reporting sanitation issues, noting that limited success had been experienced with this approach. It was suggested that a lack of community engagement in reporting issues may contribute to the ongoing sanitation problems.

A key point of discussion was the perceived need for multiple calls to 311 before action is taken, which some participants argued undermines the purpose of the service. Questions were raised about whether a greater number of community members calling 311 would lead to more effective responses from sanitation services.

The meeting also touched on the importance of communication with local elected officials. Participants were reminded that each official has a constituent liaison who can assist with sanitation issues. This was seen as a potential avenue for residents to escalate their concerns beyond the 311 system.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the urgent need for improved sanitation services in the Bronx, with participants advocating for better communication and more proactive measures from both sanitation authorities and local government representatives. The discussions highlighted a collective desire for a cleaner community and a more responsive waste management system. Follow-up actions were suggested, including increased community engagement and direct communication with elected officials to address ongoing sanitation challenges.