Queens resident Joshua Service took action after encountering a dumping site during his recent commute. He recorded a video of the garbage piled up under a metro bridge in Crown Heights, close to Atlantic Avenue, and criticized the city’s 311 service for not addressing the issue. The city’s Department of Sanitation responded later, explaining they could not remove the waste due to concerns it might be associated with a homeless encampment. Instead of waiting for official help, Service read comments on his video suggesting he take matters into his own hands. Responding to that encouragement, he decided to clean up the area himself.
Sanitation officials indicated that the city’s Department of Social Services would need to inspect the site for seven consecutive days before any cleanup could occur. However, Service gathered some gloves and a rake and managed to fill ten trash bags in about two hours. A local resident, Haile Ali, who witnessed the cleanup, described Service’s efforts as commendable and emphasized the need for such initiatives in the community. She noted that even small efforts contribute to positive change.
While cleaning, several people inquired if he worked for the city, to which he replied that he was simply a concerned New Yorker. The city’s Department of Homeless Services later reported finding a homeless resident nearby and was able to assist them in finding shelter. City Councilmember Chi Ossé planned to recognize Service for his initiative at the location of the cleanup. What are your thoughts on individual efforts to improve community spaces?
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Source: Good News Network, by Andy Corbley