TRASH: Curbs are getting uglier

A trend is developing in Coeur d’Alene to leave trash and recycling receptacles at the curb. Curb appeal used to be a quality property owners valued.  Lately it seems convenient to some people to walk repeatedly with garbage in hand to the curb, rather that a weekly pull of the receptacle. As neighborhood character devolves to a trashy note, I suspect that law enforcement will take a similar nosedive. Property crimes less than $1,000 are seldom if ever investigated. Is CDAPD following the example of Spokane in this?

For those rolling their eyes… would you purchase a home in a neighborhood lined with trash? Renters with dubious character might find a blighted neighborhood appealing. Owners and renters who fail to keep up a respectable appearance to their front lawn roll out a welcome mat that places such people at ease. Not much will be expected in such a neighborhood. Looks like “anything goes!”

Single stream waste management was hailed as being cost efficient, but it comes with this unintended consequence.

Apparently none of our leaders involved had the foresight or took the time to consider the consequences.

Look for neighborhood angst to increase.

DENNIS HINRICHSEN

Coeur d’Alene