April 18, 2012

Last week we detailed the problems Northeast neighborhoods were having in getting free dumpsters from the city for the big clean-up slated for April 28.

Soon after our issue broke, we received word from a number of sources, including Solid Waste Department Manager Mike Shaw, that Northeast would be granted 10 free dumpsters for the April 28 clean-up.

Shaw also noted there would be city crews on duty that day to respond if a dumpster was full or if targeted pick-up was needed in a specific area.

The days of free dumpsters for neighborhood clean-ups, however, are done…sort of.

Shaw noted that starting May 1, the beginning of the city’s fiscal year, neighborhoods would have to pay $60 a piece for dumpsters, a financial burden most neighborhoods can ill afford.

Shaw then indicated that if the fee became a sticking point, the city would “do whatever’s best for the community and the city.” Huh?

While we let you work through the dichotomy of that last statement, we’ll leave you with this: Northeast’s dumpsters are free – this time. Next time…not so much…maybe.

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Kudos to school board representative and Northeast resident Crispin Rea who, after reading last week’s Buzz, graciously called and offered to pick up some of the expense for dumpsters.

Crispin is a top-shelf guy who steps up for his community whether cameras are rolling or not.