Lewiston officials look to community for help with beautifying city

LEWISTON — The city has launched an appearance and image campaign focusing on tash, recycling and yard maintenance.
The campaign includes an information brochure that is being included in every property owner’s water and sewer bill, a 13-week process, city officials said in a news release. The brochure can also be found at www.lewistonmaine.gov/keepitclean.
The challenges associated with trash and enforcement of related city ordinances has been discussed at length by Lewiston’s elected officials, city adminstrator and staff, the news release said. The three part program will:
* Educate property owners and renters about the rules for trash collection, recycling, and yard maintenance; * Encourage Lewiston residents to actively take pride in their property and neighborhoods; * Begin an enhanced enforcement effort once residents are familiar with the educational campaign and have begun to adhere to it.
David Hediger, Director for the Department of Planning and Code Enforcement, said “One of the main things we want to impress on all property owners and renters is that trash and recycling needs to be placed curbside on the right day and in suitable containers (no larger than 36 gallons and covered). Trash put out in plastic bags are susceptible to animals getting into the trash. Large bulky items placed curbside will not be picked-up. These are not new rules. The general rules for recycling are listed on the brochure as well as www.lewistonmaine.gov/solidwaste, where more information can be found.”
the city is also reminding residents that last fall, the City Council passed an ordinance that expanded the area where yard maintenance rules will be enforced. All yards (except in the Rural Agricultural District) with weeds or plant growth taller than 12 inches are a violation of the city’s property maintenance code and subject to fines.
A neighborhood clean-up organized by Healthy Neighborhoods in May brought out over 135 volunteers who collected more than 31 tons of trash and distributed 150 covered 32-gallon trash and recycling bins.
Organizer Amy Smith was impressed by the level of enthusiasm and neighborhood participation. “Everyone wants to live in a beautiful, clean neighborhood,” Smithy said. “If trash is an issue, then residents must be encountering barriers to proper disposal. When we collaborated with the city and 16 generous sponsors to bring a mini transfer station, free containers and educational materials right to the heart of the Tree Streets for two days, the community responded with tremendous energy and pride. The City’s educational outreach will build on that momentum, with the goal of achieving long-term, sustainable beautification.”
Lewiston Mayor Kristen Cloutier added, “I support the efforts to enhance the appearance of our city. I invite everyone — family, friends, and neighbors — to join the city in these efforts by doing their part to reduce trash, increase recycling, and regularly maintain their property.”
The brochure is being translated into Portuguese, Arabic, French and Somali, city officials said.
“We want to make sure that everyone, not just landlords or property owners who get water and sewer bills, has access to this information.” said City Planner Doug Greene. “The code enforcement and Public Works staff don’t want to fine anyone, so please follow the rules and let’s work together to take pride in our city and make it beautiful.”
Hediger added, “While many residents of Lewiston maintain their yards and dispose of trash appropriately, city staff constantly struggles with properties not following the rules. We hope this brochure better educates property owners and renters of the city’s ordinance requirements.”