Should the city close all Alley’s?
Recently, neighbors have been in lengthy discussions of increased crime issues. More Prostitution, illegal dumping and drug activity in all areas of Seminole Heights. As I drove through the neighborhood today, I could not help but notice one glaring issue that is only making things much worse. Half of the neighborhood has alleys that are no longer functioning. While some alleys are functioning, most are not. With the functioning alleys, the surfaces are paved, alleys access are used for city services. They are narrow, create hazards and issue for garbage services. On the other hand, the non-functioning alleys are dirt, overgrown and neglected. The city does not upkeep maintenance. That is the responsibility of each homeowner. However, most homeowners are not aware that it is their responsibility since it is “not part of their yard.” Since the alleys are not used for utility purposes, I think their purposes are obsolete. With the city looking at way to cut services and cost, the reduces calls for service and solid waste calls would save thousands annually. For those neighbors that have the sewage or water services in the back yard, most service companies are equipped and capable of serving these clients. I think the alleys may have outlived their usefulness. By closing the alleys, we then allow adjoining homeowners to obtain the land. There are now less locations for illegal dumping and less places to hide while performing illegal activity. So we have a cleaner, safer neighborhood with less crime! We all win.
