22 May 2010 - 9:46am
I got a note attached to my garbage yesterday that said that the City of Tampa's Solid Waste department had decided to discontinue "alley service" for all garbage carts (I'm on N Suwanee Ave). Garbage is now to be placed in the front of the residence starting June 7, 2010.
This is going to be a serious problem for us. Our property requires that you go down multiple steps in order to get to the sidewalk.
Aside from that, I'm personally not too excited about seeing seeing giant blue containers up and down the sidewalks.
One of the charms of this neighborhood is that we receive Alley Service.
My wife pointed out that the Alley will likely be neglected by the city now and start to deteriorate quickly. I read last night that the Solid Waste department has been contracting to maintain these alleys and that they didn't feel like this was thier department's responsability. They won't have any reason to do this if they aren't using them.
Obviously this is all driven by needs to cut costs because the city overspent during the bubble instead of managing thier surplus revenue conservatively. I've read that in other cities the trucks that pick up in the front can be 3 times as efficient as alley style trucks that load the trash in the back. So I understand their motivation, but I'm furious they didn't even try and justify the change or get the community's input!
If others are against this change like I am, what do you propose we do?
Are there any lawyers in the hood who can comment on whether or not we have any legal recourse?
4 June 2010 - 8:29am
#2
also upset with discontinuation of no alley service
Hi,
After receiving one of the Bungalow Alerts to sign a petition or contact tampagov.net, I did the latter. I copied the statement in the petition and used that as the message in my submission to Tampa's Solid Waste Dept as follows:
"Our neighborhood has some areas where alleys are used for solid waste pick up, areas where alleys are available and not being used for pick up, and areas where alleys are not available. Because it befits a traditional alley use and our urban neighborhood.
Mike and I request that solid waste pickup from all open alleys throughout the neighborhood. In addition we request that any recycling pickup that occurs at a location different from the garbage pickup be moved to the garbage pickup location.
Thanks, in advance, for consideration of this matter. "
To which I just received the reply, "Message: Dear Mr.Getzoff; We will codeine to pick up in the alley until the june seven."
That was a direct copy and paste from the message from the Solid Waste Department in reply to my request. The tracking number is Tracking Nbr: 235111.
I don't know how to contest this either.
1 June 2010 - 10:32am
#3
5100-5300 block
I just spoke with Rod and he is working the 5100-5300 blocks of Suwanee and Branch. If you have already signed a petition, please do not duplicate. If you haven't signed and would like to, call me or email me and we will make arrangements. I can be reached at 404-1300 or email is treasurer@oldseminoleheights.org or timcathys@msn.com.
We need as many signatures as possible. Cathy Simon
26 May 2010 - 6:05pm
#4
Download the petition
You can download and sign the petition. Go here to find out more:
Big Blue Bombshell
24 May 2010 - 1:49pm
#5
Alley service
I went to tampagov.net on Friday and posted a complaint about this change. I received a response back today:
"Dear Ms.Simon; the truck will continue to service your area but not in the alleys any more. If you have any more concern please call the office. Thank you and have a nice day." I will be calling the office as well.
Everyone who is objecting to this needs to do the same. We all need to file a complaint. If people don't have internet access, they can call Solid Waste at 348-1111. If Hyde Park was able to keep the alley service, so can Seminole Heights, but we need everyone helping on this one.
Cathy Simon
24 May 2010 - 1:45pm
#6
Many of us are upset
Hi David,
Many of us are up set.
This change doesn't impact all of OSHNA. Currently Old Seminole Heights has some areas where alleys are used for solid waste pick up, areas where alleys are available and not being used for pick up and areas where alleys are not available. My house has garbage pick up in the alley and recycling in the front. After we got our notices last week the OSHNA Board has agreed on a motion that:
We request that solid waste pickup from all open alleys throughout the neighborhood. In addition we request that any recycling pickup that occurs at a location different from the garbage pickup be moved to the garbage pickup location.
At this point it would probably be a good idea to go to tampagov.net and send an email to solid waste, general correspondence. And while we are at it maybe City council and the Mayor's office.
I have made contact with Solid Waste Department to get more information and present our stance.
Utility service, including solid waste pickup, from alleys is a traditional alley use that befits our urban neighborhood and in this case will literally keeps the garbage off our streets.
Kacy Curry
Trustee
24 May 2010 - 1:26pm
#7
We are working on it!
David,
We have received several complaints and concerns about the changes. The Land Use committee (Kacy Curry) is already gathering information. Hyde Park was able to opt out of this change. We believe that existing alleyways should be used when possible and are seeking a similar exemption for those areas in Old Seminole Heights.
If you hear from other neighbors that are similarly concerned, please have them contact us.
Hi,
After receiving one of the Bungalow Alerts to sign a petition or contact tampagov.net, I did the latter. I copied the statement in the petition and used that as the message in my submission to Tampa's Solid Waste Dept as follows:
"Our neighborhood has some areas where alleys are used for solid waste pick up, areas where alleys are available and not being used for pick up, and areas where alleys are not available. Because it befits a traditional alley use and our urban neighborhood.
Mike and I request that solid waste pickup from all open alleys throughout the neighborhood. In addition we request that any recycling pickup that occurs at a location different from the garbage pickup be moved to the garbage pickup location.
Thanks, in advance, for consideration of this matter. "
To which I just received the reply, "Message: Dear Mr.Getzoff; We will codeine to pick up in the alley until the june seven."
That was a direct copy and paste from the message from the Solid Waste Department in reply to my request. The tracking number is Tracking Nbr: 235111.
I don't know how to contest this either.