Initial meetings for people who want to help spruce up the city have been set for 7 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. May 2, in the Little Theater at the city building, 111 E. Sixth Ave.
The project was discussed at the last Human Relations Commission meeting, which also included representatives of the Building Futures Campaign and the Eastside Neighborhood Association, according to Human Relations director Patty Gilligan.
She said that making the city more attractive is a goal that can be reached without spending a lot of money.
“The first step to addressing the substandard appearance of our community ... we need to do a community clean-up,” Gilligan said.
Volunteers will be needed to help residents who are physically disabled, unable to afford to pay for improvements, or do not have the tools or trucks needed to make properties look better.
“We can improve our community and don’t need to look to anything but roll-up-your-sleeves work,” Gilligan said. “We’re trying to get churches, organizations and individuals who might be willing to help with this clean-up.”
People who would be interested in taking part in the project, or simply want more information, are welcome to attend either planning meeting.
Free landfill days already have been scheduled for the annual spring clean-up encouraged by the city.
Residents of Lyon and Chase counties will be allowed two free trips to the city-county transfer station, 3100 W. South Ave. An April 2009 electric bill must be presented to the gate attendant prior to entry.
Free trips are restricted only for residential trash. Commercial and industrial businesses are not eligible to participate.
Tires will not be accepted free of charge; they will be charged out at the standard rate.
An announcement from the city reminded customers that all loads must be secured or covered to avoid paying a penalty.
The free dump days will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Sunday from April 25 to May 10.
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
“The first step to addressing the substandard appearance of our community ... we need to do a community clean-up,” Gilligan said.
How will the Human Relations Commission address the appearance of areas of the community such as Heartland Mobile Home Park where the owner apparently has no intention of cleaning up the park or cares at all about the appearance in the community?
April 26, 2009 at 10:13 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JAM (anonymous) says...
Emporia and the surrounding highways definately need cleaned up. It used to be a beautiful city many years ago. It seems now that no one cares.
The litter laws and higher fines could be enforced.
Offenders that are sentenced to community service should be out on the streets and highways picking up the litter but I have never seen that. Also, prisoners could be out cleaning up the areas like in other States but that isn't happening enough if any.
New county commissioners would help Emporia.
April 26, 2009 at 3:30 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
gemini (anonymous) says...
I certainly hope this new commission does not adopt the Emporia Eastside Clean-up Coalition method of "sprucing up" the town.....posting pictures of undesirable properties on facebook (which have since been taken down), reporting neighbors homes to the police and leaving notes threatening enforcement of fines on people's porches. All with the promise and hope of having a wonderful "neighborhood" party!! Bah.
I'm all for cleaning up the town but not if it includes bullying its citizens and focusing on only ONE part of it.
April 26, 2009 at 4:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JAM (anonymous) says...
Where is the Heartland Mobile Home Park? Sorry, I live in Texas but am moving back to Emporia soon. Did you call the city office to complain? Usually they will go out there and post a sign giving so many days to clean it up or the owner will get a fine.
I hope that helps. I also hope more people like you get involved in helping to clean up Emporia. It's great to see people do still care.
April 26, 2009 at 4:11 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
JAM (anonymous) says...
I would think that there would be no need to post pictures or notices if everyone was doing the right thing.
April 26, 2009 at 5:21 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justthefacts (anonymous) says...
Someone told me that the heartland mobile home park is outside the citylimits is this correct?
April 26, 2009 at 6:18 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
Heartland Mobile Home Park is at 930 Graphic Arts Road and well inside the city limits for anyone who is brave enough to take a drive through it. You should make sure your Tetnus shots are current though. The County Attorney is currently investigating them now.
April 26, 2009 at 10:32 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
josiesbar (anonymous) says...
Because you asked, here you go:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid...
April 27, 2009 at 1:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
rabblerouser (anonymous) says...
And the rent is going up $25 per month on May 1st for this higher quality of life. The sign should read HEARTLESS instead of HEARTLAND.
April 27, 2009 at 7:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )