I've noticed the same problem. My dog and I walk from Sherman, down Maple, and then take Edgewood home. There are at least 6 or 7 piles of poop right outside homes, on sidewalks, and in the streets.
All one has to do is bring a few plastic bags from the grocery store with you on your walk and there are public trash cans all over. Of course you could just man up and carry it home to dispose of it. Picking up poop is part of having a dog for a companion. I'm not sure if people are lazy or they don't know any better. Either way, I agree It's a big problem!