Photo: City Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia and Councilman Eric Ulrich on Tuesday displayed one of 120 new litter baskets headed for Council District 32. Forum Photo By Michael V. Cusenza.
City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), joined on Tuesday by administration officials and civic leaders, unveiled the new, high-end litter baskets that are coming to Council District 32.
Funds for the 120 receptacles were allocated through Ulrich’s office. Making the announcement at the busy intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue, Urich said he designated $69,000 to replace the standard wire baskets currently located in Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, and Ozone Park with the new ones.
“We think these high-end litter baskets will be able to control litter in this community,” said Sanitation Commissioner Kathryn Garcia.
Ulrich indicated that the baskets are completely enclosed and feature smaller openings that will discourage against the illegal dumping of household and business trash.
Phase I will place 50 high-end litter baskets along Jamaica Avenue from Forest Parkway to 97th Street in Richmond Hill. Phase II will add baskets on Jamaica Avenue from 97th Street to 114th Street, as well as other locations around the district.
Ulrich also allotted $30,000 to provide additional basket collection service on Jamaica Avenue, Liberty Avenue, and 101st Avenue on select busy days during the year.
“This truly is a partnership between elected officials, city agencies and community leaders,” Ulrich said.
Woodhaven Business Improvement District Executive Director Maria Thomson added, “The [BID] is so happy to get these new baskets because this way household garbage cannot be tossed in them.”
Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Martin Colberg echoed Thomson’s sentiments, adding that the cans will undoubtedly improve city streets by gradually eliminating illegal dumping, which has been a problem for many Jamaica Avenue property owners.
“We want to continue working with Sanitation, so the right enforcement is done,” Colberg said. “It has to be fair for property owners.”
Ulrich later added that he hoped that the city Department of Transportation next year will install new LED lights along Jamaica Avenue.
By Michael V. Cusenza michael@theforumnewsgroup.com
