City launches ambitious plan to clean and improve alleys

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing efforts to address the issue of unimproved alleys in the Midtown area, highlighting a comprehensive alley inventory and maintenance strategy. The Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) has initiated a task force that includes code enforcement and local police department partners to evaluate and prioritize the maintenance of 110 alleys identified as problematic due to issues like dumping, debris, and overgrown vegetation.

The CRA has begun its work in the North Lake Wire neighborhood, where 13 alleys have been identified for initial clearing. The process involves contacting property owners adjacent to these alleys to assess potential improvements, which may include paving, lighting, or simply maintaining cleanliness. Following the clearing, the alleys will be placed on a maintenance schedule, with further evaluations planned to determine which alleys may require long-term improvements.

The meeting also touched on the historical context of alley management, referencing a previous inventory conducted in 2018 that focused on either vacating or improving alleys. The current approach aims to methodically address immediate concerns before revisiting past evaluations.

Officials acknowledged the challenges posed by property encroachments, such as fences or buildings, which complicate the maintenance and potential vacation of certain alleys. The CRA is committed to a strategic evaluation process that considers the needs of property owners while addressing community concerns about cleanliness and accessibility.

Additionally, the potential for collaboration with local volunteer organizations, such as the Dream Center, was discussed. While initial clean-up efforts will be handled through a bidding process to ensure thoroughness, there is hope that once alleys are cleared, community groups can assist in ongoing maintenance.

The meeting underscored the importance of addressing these often-overlooked spaces, with officials expressing optimism that a systematic approach will lead to visible improvements in the community's alleyways.