By MADDY VITALE
Overflowing dumpsters from construction, speeding in alleyways and bike safety were among the many topics discussed at Third Ward Councilman Jody Levchuk’s meeting Saturday.
The meeting held in the Community Center was more of a conversation between Levchuk and residents. No formal action is taken in the ward meetings.
The Third Ward represented by Levchuk stretches from the south side of 12th Street to the north side of 26th Street, a diverse area that includes residential neighborhoods, commercial areas and a large section of the Boardwalk.
One resident noted that the trash problem has become worse over recent months.
“It is an eyesore,” she said.
She noted that on one street — Sunset Place — there are two houses being built and there is overflowing construction debris from the dumpsters.
Levchuk said that people should be fined for overflowing trash.
He said there has been a problem throughout the COVID-19 pandemic in which there is just more trash.
“There has been a problem with different vendors and we have more public trash than ever before because of COVID,” he said of the added garbage from takeout meals, etc. “It became overwhelming.”
Levchuk is a businessman on the Boardwalk and co-owner of the Jilly’s stores.
“We are good now on the Boardwalk. It is clean. I commend the Public Works, but there just isn’t enough staffing to handle the added trash,” he said.
Levchuk said homeowners should receive summonses if they have overflowing trash from dumpsters on their properties.
There was also a discussion about alleyways.
Several people spoke about how people need to slow down while driving along the alleys.
Levchuk noted that the City Council has already taken up the subject.
Council approved an ordinance in April making it known that speeding will not be tolerated, especially in the city’s alleyways. The ordinance set the speed limit for alleys at 15 mph.
“We have definitely moved forward as a Council for better safety standards for people,” Levchuk said of residents and tourists living or vacationing in areas where there are alleyways.
Bike safety was also a concern raised by a resident at the ward meeting. She said that she was scared to ride her bicycle because of motorists.
“If you look at our stats, we are such a safe town,” Levchuk responded. “We are a bike community and it will only become more of a bike community.”
He added that there are continued measures to enforce traffic laws, with a strong focus on making sure motorists slow down for bicyclists.
