The Trentonian (Trenton, NJ)

Anderson St. residents ‘shed’ concerns about city property

- L.A. Parker Columnist L.A. Parker is a Trentonian columnist. Find him on Twitter @LAParker6 or email him at LAParker@Trentonian.com.

Walkies!

Barbara Woodhouse made famous that dog command during her 1980s television series “Training Dogs The Woodhouse Way.”

The Woodhouse catchphras­e made her a sensation in the United Kingdom and with dog lovers around the world.

No pooch for strolling through the City of Trenton, just a man getting from Point A to a destinatio­n — in this case a part of Chambersbu­rg.

Some residents on the 100 block of Anderson St. expressed concerns about a property that attracts members of our city’s homeless family.

“The renters moved out because of non-payment and the property is totally trashed in the backyard. Since the renters moved out there’s been homeless people living in a shed in the backyard,” an Anderson St. resident emailed.

“There is all kinds of junk, bicycles, loads of trash and human excrement there. The homeless come and go.”

Walkies. Off we go. First, some beautiful properties on Anderson St. whether the inhabitant­s live as renters or homeowners. Keep up the upkeep and continue the cultivatio­n of pride.

The property in question? 160 Anderson St. Not bad from a first impression before a walk around back cultivated concern. Just as the person alleged, high weeds, trash and other discarded items guarded a shed that had a dark tarp pulled over an entrance.

Exploratio­n ended about 30 yards shy of the shed. No need to tempt altercatio­n or investigat­e any further.

The resident wrote that city officials have not responded to their concerns about this property for four years.

Most readers know a belief here that inspection­s must play a significan­t role in the revitaliza­tion of this capital city.

If city officials ask residents to identify issues then do nothing when they receive informatio­n vital to maintainin­g order and cleanlines­s, then shame on them.

Many people throughout Trenton desire clean and safe streets. We will never win this fight without assured support from City Hall and elected officials. All it takes is one property, one house occupied by drug dealers or people with cleanlines­s issues and the whole block could lose stability.

People will move out or disconnect if they feel abandoned by government leaders regarding issues about crime, education, trash collection, parking, abandoned houses and a variety of other problems.

Trenton has amazing potential but it’s going nowhere if filthy people continue this dumping of trash and a disregard for being clean.

It’s getting nowhere fast if landlords can shuffle renters in and out without a thorough property inspection process.

Our city’s homeless issue remains troublesom­e as Trenton attracts travelers from many

Mercer County municipali­ties and elsewhere.

Trenton offers services, shelter, food and other life necessitie­s. Plus, city-based non-profits have the power to help people trapped by dire circumstan­ces.

However, Trenton’s homeless issue exists as a Mercer County problem. Solving our homeless situation requires a collaborat­ive effort by all Mercer County municipali­ties.

For now, here’s a message for Trenton residents. Wherever you live matters. Win your block first. Connect with like-minded people who can offer support.

It’s all about DYOB, baby. Do Your Own Block.

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