Surrender in Chambersburg welcomes all aspects of slum life

A major response continues regarding the deterioration of Chambersburg with some interesting opinions and insights.

One reader noted that “Years ago Trenton used to have at least one CLEAN UP WEEK per year. It was set up by areas, flyers were put in mail boxes with the dates of junk collection, and residents could put ANYTHING out for collection on their scheduled week. The city collected furniture, appliances, scrap wood .... ANYTHING .... reach day for a week. Why isn’t that done anymore. When Doug Palmer left, so did that clean up effort!!! Bring it back, or at least provide a place where residents can bring their junk! “

Prior to receiving this email, I had made a visit to Scarpati Recycling and Auto Salvage to inquire about renting a dumpster for trash collection. John Scarpati, Jr. gave me the lowdown. Turned out renting a container is not a major money maker. Scarpati said taking items to the dump is where the price tag for such an enterprise could deliver huge costs. “It’s better to talk to the City and have people put garbage out for collection,” he suggested.

So, let’s have a cleanup week when residents can get rid of that old refrigerator or water heater that’s been in the basement for the past five years. It’s time to clean up Trenton, knowing that investors want to do business with a city where people take pride in their streets, houses and lives.

Next up, an email that caused consternation. “Mr. Parker

The city needs to stop allowing residents to keep their garbage in front of their houses 24/7/365

This is allowed to placate the laziest.

I live in the ‘burg’ in a row home and carry my trash through the house, place it curbside on collection day.

I have no other access front to back.

My family has been doing this for over 60 years. As long as the city allows garbage to be kept in the front of houses Trenton will always be a slum. Personally, I think Trenton is a hopeless slum. Thank you.” Completely agree with the first statement. Pretty nasty business to permit garbage cans, many filled with discarded food or beer bottles, at least on my street, to gain frontof-the-house status. The garbage attracts flies, cats, possums and even aluminum can hunters.

His idea that “Trenton is a hopeless slum.” Entitled to his opinion although that’s way beyond acceptable. A slum? Message to everyone, stop worrying about all other areas of the city and offer concentration on the street where you live.

Clean in front of your house. Encourage neighbors to do the same. Organize a block cleanup and follow up with a block party. Put some hot dogs and hamburgers on the grill and build a strong, clean block. If you give up then, yes, it’s likely your street will be overrun by trash, vacant properties, weeds and slum landlords.