I have been reporting this type of problem for years. Abandoned newspaper racks need to be removed. The City Council passed a law empowering the head of public works to do so. Last I heard, the city attorney was looking into it, but that was about a year ago. In some cases, the racks are entirely empty. They are in the public right of way, why not just unbolt them and remove them? They are an eyesore and a hazard. Some have sharp edges and points. If we can't solve this problem, how can we solve larger ones?

Gerstle--do you know why the boxes are empty? I would think the two get placement in any one box, a newspaper would have to agree to keep all of their boxes clean, working and full. Also, I would think the city used the size rack they installed because they had that number of newspapers as takers? Was that not in the ordinance?

sorry for the typos, I hope you get the gist

This request has been forwarded to the ongoing maintenance contractor to remove the trash and graffiti. Re: broken hardware and/or removal of units, Public Works is working with Community Development, both the Webster and Park BIAs and the City Attorney's office to remedy the overall issues.

MSC has removed the garbage from the newspaper racks. Sincerely, Gail Carlson, Public Works

Removed on 12/13/17