The New Year Brings Renewed Focus

By Bruce Whalen, Community Development and Code Compliance

A new year is upon us and with it comes new challenges and opportunities. Let’s renew our focus and concentrate on efforts to enhance the neighborhoods throughout our City.

The Department of Community Development and Code Compliance will continue efforts to educate customers about the established pickup schedules for garbage and commingled material. Adhering to these schedules helps keep the neighborhoods cleaner and looking better.

Another area of focus for code compliance is notifying those whose property is in violation of City standards when it comes to maintenance and appearance. Routine repair, painting and upkeep is necessary to properly maintain a home. Well-maintained homes enhance the appearance of neighborhoods and help maintain property values. Through Operation Paintbrush, we continue to offer free exterior paint to residents needing to paint their homes. Additionally, our department offers a low-interest loan program to assist eligible residents with home repairs and renovations.

Keeping the grass mowed is an important part of property maintenance. Don’t’ forget to trim along fences. These areas are often overlooked. Parking on the lawn is not allowed. Vehicles on private property should be parked on a hard, improved surface such as asphalt, concrete or pavers. Temporary parking on the swale is permitted as long as the vehicle has a valid tag. Keep in mind, the sidewalk is intended for pedestrian use. Parking on any portion of the sidewalk could result in a ticket.

Sanitation customers will soon have the opportunity to participate in an innovative recycling program through the City’s new partnership with RecycleBank. Customers will be receiving a blue recycling cart similar to their garbage cart where they can place all recyclable materials. This new program will begin February 1, 2010. RecycleBank rewards households with discounts at local and national businesses based on how much the household recycles. You’ll soon be getting more information in your mailbox.

I look forward to working with residents and addressing your concerns. Working together in a spirit of cooperation we can resolve most any issue. You can contact me at 954.921.3061 from 7:00-8:00 A.M. and 4:00-5:00 P.M. Tuesday through Friday. I am also available by e-mail at bwhalen@hollywoodfl.org.