Residents of Pinetop-Lakeside are facing ongoing challenges with illegal dumping in public alleyways, prompting discussions at the recent Planning and Zoning Meeting on July 24, 2025. The meeting highlighted the town's struggle with maintaining cleanliness in these areas, which some officials described as a relic of past planning issues.

Concerns were raised about the fairness of placing the burden of monitoring and cleaning up these public spaces on homeowners who do not own the property or contribute to the littering. One participant emphasized that the responsibility should lie with the town, suggesting that the local government should take a more active role in addressing the problem rather than relying on residents to police their surroundings.

The discussion included potential solutions, such as installing cameras to catch offenders in the act of dumping trash. While some attendees acknowledged budget constraints, they noted that the cost of such cameras could be offset by fines collected from violators. The idea of using community service workers, particularly those on probation, to assist with cleanup efforts was also proposed as a way to manage the issue without significant financial burden on the town.

Despite these suggestions, participants recognized that these measures might only serve as temporary fixes rather than long-term solutions. The need for a comprehensive plan to address the underlying issues of illegal dumping and public space maintenance remains a priority for the community.

As Pinetop-Lakeside continues to grapple with these challenges, the town's leadership is urged to explore effective strategies that not only clean up the current mess but also prevent future incidents, ensuring a cleaner and more welcoming environment for all residents.