Complaints about street flooding leaves me upset about residents’ lack of action

Felt compelled to respond after a Back Talk contributor left this message.

“I live on Roebling Ave. in Trenton. and it’s been over a week since we’ve seen a street sweeper now because of the massive drop of these Sycamore leaves ...... Our streets are flooded right now and the heavy rain that happened on Friday. It happens again today because there’s massive amount of leaves in the curbs and now they’re blocking the sewer grates. So, maybe you can put in a ring into the city cuz when I call I don’t get anywhere and it’s causing flooding and then a lot of the water’s going into people’s basements here.”

First, have no idea about the writer’s age or physical condition but barring disability, severe health condition and elderly-age, is there any chance that this resident could collect some Sycamore leaves and/or clear the street storm drain?

Almost a decade ago this column noted that those people who depend on government should realize that government continues a disconnect from our daily issues. It’s why a traffic light can go missing from the busy intersection of Chambers St. and Greenwood Ave. for ten weeks; why two abandoned houses on Walnut Ave. have had their doors kicked in for 12 weeks; and why street sweepers discontinue service.

The aforementioned exist as issues for City Hall and government leaders. Difficult to understand why people do not make an attempt to fix problems. Go rake leaves or clear the storm drain. Yes, you pay taxes and that should cover the employee power necessary for the collection of leaves.

Makes no sense whatsoever that residents would prefer to watch their streets and basements flood, instead of taking 5 or 10 minutes to collect leaves.

A frequent message here notes that residents should spend time fixing issues on their block. One of my 100 block of Franklin St. neighbors recently called the City and had our trees trimmed. Another has offered money to help a Christmas initiative that purchases toys for toddlers and young people who live on our street.

Complaining remains a privilege and right although other options exist. A friend on the Trenton Police Department force has started a new phrase that hopefully transmits through this financiallystrapped city — “If you see something, do something.”

Weather forecasts predict rain on Friday. Hopefully, this Roebling Ave. resident picks up a rake and clears the street drain. Come hell or high water, do something.

You have a power to change Trenton. Organize. Create a mission and get busy.

By the way, if the Roebling Ave. Back Talk writer is physically incapable of collecting leaves then call or send an email.