WM Utility working to clear alleys

WM Utility working to clear alleys

Project part of citywide cleanup

news@theeveningtimes.com

Alley, Alley cleared for free. A one-time sweep to clear all the alleys in West Memphis is under way.

West Memphis Utilities has seen the way clear and teamed up with Center Point Energy to bring down branches and kill weeds in the lanes between houses especially in the southeast part of the city. The result will have many benefits for the city.

The West Memphis Utilities are clearing the branches from the power poles and taking down saplings that have sprouted up in the passage ways between homes considered by many residents to be a no man’s land.

The gas company will be spraying the brush and killing weeds.

Fact is homeowners are responsible for keeping the easement way clear.

“The property in the alleys belongs to the home owner,” said Public Works Chairwoman Ramona Taylor during the May meeting.

“Property owners on each side have five feet to keep clear which makes for a ten foot alley,” said Councilman James Pulliaum.

The work is a one time service to get the gas company and the city utilities in compliance with federal regulations.

Any overgrowth that returns is up to the resident to keep it clear.

“We will put normal code enforcement on it and handle it like that,” said Public Works Administrative Assistant Rhonda Standridge.

“It will be easier once everything has been cut,” said Code Enforcement Officer Mike Antel. “The alleys have been grown up so long it has been hard to tell.“ As for the lots the city is forced to mow due to property owner neglect it will be a little more work for city contracted mowing crews.

“We will make sure our grass cutters keep it cleared out,” said Antel. “As for homeowners its a different story but we will keep on top of that too.”

Councilman Willis Mondy sits on both the Public Works and Police committees, and thought the clear alleys would help reduce crime and help police work. “It will be easier to see down the alleys,” said Mondy. “Some times suspects were able to hide or get away in the overgrown alleys.”

By John Rech