Earlier this summer, Melissa expressed concern over a newspaper box-turned trash receptacle (see June 12th). After alerting Streets Department of the situation, I decided to make a call. But as I gave this company the benefit of the doubt, it returned my inquiry with a dismal response. According to an unnamed employee, the press is "aware and working on it." The company has been “aware” since last spring, and intends on contacting the distributor “to take a look.” Disheartened, I wonder why not take action after all this time. There are no actual papers inside, and the boxes (three broken along Chestnut Street) are eyesores. Not only do they encourage the same apathy that fuels this litter-epidemic, but each sits in a high-traffic area, marring the City's strongest shopping district and exposing our worst side to suburban shoppers and tourists.
I'll be patient before lobbying for Streets Department assistance, however, I can't imagine that a few more motivational phone calls would hurt.
