NEWBURGH – The dumping of trash, litter, old furniture and assorted garbage on Newburgh streets and vacant lots is ruining the image and future growth opportunities in the city, several residents and business people told the city council Monday night.
Some council members even said they have gone into neighborhoods to personally pick up trash only to see residents throw more out while they are picking it up.
Councilwoman Jeannie Abrams noted the city has one line of defense in place already.
“You know we have a $500 fine for first offense of littering here in Newburgh; we have to enforce it. Step one was to go and pass that law, but the second one is to enforce it and that is a little bit harder because we have to catch somebody doing it,” Abrams said. “We have to get those video cameras out there.”
Abrams questioned if the city’s Community Development Block Grant Fund budget could be used. “It would cover dumping and it would cover crime,” she said.
Councilman Torrance Harvey agreed, saying compliance video cameras could keep a lid on illegal dumping. Councilwoman Cindy Holmes acknowledged that bulk pickup of trash might help the situation, but noted it was cost prohibitive last year.
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