Today’s news and information gleanings from here and there.
Today’s quote … “The sweeper, the borough, yada taxa taxa. What about human decency. Stop living like pigs and clean up after yourselves.” – A comment at this Columbia Spy “About town” photo commentary showing “Trash and weeds that never go away on the 300 block of Avenue G .”
- Not much media attention yet for the “Tide” fast start boys basketball team.
Listings for the January 25, 2017 Sale.
- “If you see something (like a neighbor’s property in disrepair) – say something on social media? – FOX43-TV
- “Similarities Between Life Under Former USSR KGB, East German STASI, and US COPS Program” – Veterans News Now
- “Columbia man leaves road, damages shed” – Lebanon Daily News
Columbia news, views & reviews 
At what point do we realize there is no human decency in this alley? How many more months will the trash continue to pile up? And YES, I pay plenty in taxes and therefore expect the town to look presentable. I have always picked up trash on and around my properties, litter that others dump. If the borough does not want the responsibility of cleaning the alley of weeds and trash, then get on the property owners and require it to be cleaned of trash and cleared of weeds. I’m not convinced that the responsibility for the alley doesn’t fall on the borough. No more excuses. The police could also fine for littering when they see it. The message would soon get out that it won’t be tolerated.
We agree with your points; with all the recent actions concerning tree wells and trolley veneers, this observation is key:
“Code Enforcement Is Vital to Community Development | “Code” means a particular part of the law in the U.S., so code enforcement occurs when cities and towns enforce their local laws. Usually though the term pertains to property upkeep. Aggressive but sensible approaches to bringing property owners into compliance with the law can be an important part of maintaining the appearance and functioning of a neighborhood.” – http://www.useful-community-development.org/code-enforcement.html
The borough has a slew of ordinances relative to “property maintenance codes.” – http://www.ecode360.com/search/CO0213?query=property+maintenance+codes
Until enforcement becomes a priority and there’s consistent application, community development likely will be slow and a “veneer.”
The International Code Council has a lot more about effective codes management at its website: http://www.iccsafe.org/codes-tech-support/codes/code-development/code-development-procedures/