RSPNA:April 24, 2007

Minutes of the Riverside Park Neighborhood Association

Marty Collins of the Department of Neighborhood Services was the evening’s speaker. The topic was cleaning up the neighborhood. The Department’s concern is litter (defined as a bushel basket or more of various kinds of waste and discarded material) on private property. (Litter on streets and alleys is the purview of the DPW Sanitation [286-8534]) Following complaints, an inspector is sent, then a letter is sent to the property owner, the property is inspected and re-inspected for compliance. The letter brings about 70% compliance. The property owner pays the costs of cleanup and administrative costs (if found to not be in compliance after set date).

Computer users can now make use of the Neighborhood Services web page to get information about any specific property, including complaints, violations (police actions) and permits. This is the first web site of its kind in the nation. Go to the DNS main page and look under the Property Info link at www.milwaukee.gov/display/router.asp?docid=316. DNS phone # is 286-2268.

DNS will provide equipment for cleanup, from trash grabbers to dumpsters. The Murray Hill neighborhood Association has developed an “Adopt-a-Block” program, with 25 blocks now adopted. Businesses and other institutions might also join such a program.

RSPNA has scheduled 6 dumpsters for the weekend of May 25 (move-out time), and further cleanup on June 2, flyers to be distributed a week in advance.

Following up on prior discussions of parking problems, in order to be declared an impacted area, we need 60% of residents and property owners to sign petitions to be sent to d’Amato. This will be followed up.

Respectfully submitted

Joan Moore