Description

Eva,

I would like to call your attention to the City Code (see attached) that requires garbage cans that are“durable,” “watertight,“ and have “tight-fitting covers.” The Code states that each unit have a receptacle to contain “ALL garbage and rubbish.” The Code also calls for “Adequate sanitary facilities.” Check the photos I have sent to the City over the past few years and note that nothing has changed.

The Code requirements have never been met in the last several years at 604 Providence St. My point is that the City tells the violator to correct the situation and then is satisfied with landlord having the garbage picked up, the same garbage cans placed in a neat row, and the violations begin again with the next over stuffed can, the next hungry animal or the next strong wind to upset the cans. This is where the City is not enforcing the CODE.

I see no reason why we must live with the neighbor’s garbage continually being scattered on our property and in the neighborhood. This only encourages moving to the suburbs.

Tom Jaras

From: Eva Petkanas
Sent: Monday, March 21, 2016 9:14 AM
To: mailto:tfjaras@gmail.com
Subject: RE: Trash Probem Continues (resent with photo)

Tom,

Thank you for your consistent attention to this property. We are aware of the issue and our supervisors have been posting notices of violation for the specific codes the property owner is violating.

The City code does not require any particular size of receptacles or secure covers for trash receptacles so we cannot require the property owner provide these things. We have posted the property for trash in public view, and owners get five days to respond to that according to City code. We will continue to bill and fine this owner when postings expire.

Sincerely,

Eva Petkanas
Community Relations Coordinator
Department of General Services
518-434-5822


From: Tom Jaras [mailto:tfjaras@gmail.com]
Sent: Friday, March 18, 2016 2:14 PM
To: Mayor Sheehan; Jacqueline Beattie
Cc: Penna (neighbors) Anne & Dan
Subject: Trash Probem Continues (resent with photo)

On Wednesday 3/16, I reported a continuous trash problem at 604 Providence St. The city inspector responded the next day 3/17, phoned the absentee landlord telling him to clean up the area and secure proper garbage cans with secure lids. Later that day the landlord responded by having the garbage returned to the cans and rearranged the trash items in the back yard. The attached photo show these same garbage cans again spilled over this morning with the contents again spilling into my yard. This is a repeat of the same dance between me, the city and the absentee landlord for the last several years. The city responds but does not fix the problem.

Is it possible for the City to enforce the City Code and have the landlord install adequate size receptacles with attached lids? What exists today is a waste of city manpower having to respond neighborhood complaints, a waste of my time, an unhealthy environment, a degrading of another Albany neighborhood and an landlord who does care.

I am asking for a meaningful response.


Tom Jaras
610 Providence St.
489-6174