Neighbors Partner to Clean Indian Mound Alleys

Indian Mound Neighborhood clean up. | Photo by Dorri Partain

Dorri Partain

Managing Editor

On Saturday, April 5, volunteers from the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association partnered with community organizations to tackle an increasing amount of trash overtaking alleys near James Elementary School.

Despite the damp and chilly morning, volunteers gathered at 8 a.m., at the corner of Norledge and N. Bellaire Avenues to target two alleys and surrounding blocks. Joining Indian Mound residents, other participating organizations included Mattie Rhodes Center, MOCSA (Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault) and Healing House KC.

Both Mattie Rhodes Center (148 N. Topping Ave.) and Healing House KC (4505 St. John Ave.) are located within the Indian Mound neighborhood boundaries.

Armed with trash bags, volunteers broke into three groups to canvas targeted streets: Norledge Avenue from N. Bellaire Avenue to N. Wheeling Avenue, an alley between 300 block of N. Bellaire Ave., and N. White Avenue. and an alley between the 300 block of N. White Avenue and N. Wheeling Avenue.

**Photo courtesy of Indian Mound Neighborhood Association Treasurer, Missy Jones**

An accumulation of old furniture, tree limbs and other abandoned items nearly blocked the paved section of the alley. Workers bagged up smaller trash items and carted larger items to a waiting trailer, driven by volunteer John Brocato. The full trailer was unloaded at the collection site at Budd Park — taking advantage of the Third & Fourth District clean-up held during that same time.

Indian Mound Neighborhood Association Treasurer Missy Jones stated Saturday the volunteers on hand numbered around 50, with more than half representing Healing House.

Indian Mound Neighborhood President Jimmy Fitzner praised the volunteers and their assistance on Saturday, stating, ”We are so thankful for all of the neighbors who came out and started cleaning alongside neighborhood association volunteers, MOCSA, Jonathan Brocato, and most of all Healing House, who swooped in like the Avengers! Our hearts are full!”

As with previous years, Indian Mound Neighborhood Association will be providing dumpsters for trash and bulky items to deter dumping of such items for neighborhood dumpster day. Residents may drop off items from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., unless the dumpster is filled before noon. The first monthly dumpster day will be on Saturday, May 3 at Indian Mound Park, 501 N. Belmont Blvd.