Litter PLUS

Earlier this year I made a request to have Essex Street cleaned either monthly or quarterly. And though I was notified that a city department would monitor cleaning and the litter situation, I watched as the curbs became overrun with weeds and the trash accumulated to almost 3 inches next to the curb. This is not only an eyesore, but allowing trash to accumulate curbside leads to sewer drainage issues and public health threats. Today, I spent over an hour taking a first pass at cleaning up the section of the curb in front of my apartment at 138. Among other things, I found a hypodermic needle, shorts, 3 socks, a drill bit, broken bottles, cans and plastic bottles. I ran into two neighbors who wholeheartedly agreed that the city needs to address trash and other issues on Essex Street, which gets a short shrift when it comes to maintenance due to the Light Tail. Accordingly, I request a modest street cleaning schedule to be put in place - even quarterly would make a world of difference. We endure all of the many annoyances/inconveniences of the Light Rail, and we should not also be charged with maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the street. Thank you for addressing this issue — I know the neighborhood will be grateful for the cleanup!