Overflowing garbage, lack of bins frustrate Gravesend residents
Michael Barricella, a Gravesend native, says garbage bags are often ripped open, attracting raccoons, possums and rats scavenging through the mess.
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Dozens of Gravesend residents are raising concerns over piles of trash piling up along Kings Highway and East 14th Street.
Michael Barricella, a Gravesend native, says garbage bags are often ripped open, attracting raccoons, possums and rats scavenging through the mess.
“We see a lot of garbage bags ripped open. I mean, we do have people going through the bags looking for bottles and everything, but no one closes them afterwards,” Barricella said.
Community advocate Amber Adler is calling for more garbage bins and better maintenance of the area.
“It’s supposed to be maintained at all times for not just what we look at, to look pretty, but for health and safety and sanitation,” Adler said.
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) told News 12 that two litter baskets in the area are currently missing but will be replaced soon.
Property owners have recently received violations for dirty conditions.
The DSNY also said the local Business Improvement District cleans sidewalks six days a week, though neighbors say even workers sometimes leave trash bags beside bins rather than disposing of them properly.
Residents say it doesn’t take much to keep the area clean, just more accountability and garbage bins.
