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Alderman urges cameras and stiffer fines as illegal dumping persists in Kankakee neighborhoods
Summary
Alderman Jones and others urged stepped-up enforcement against recurring illegal dumping in the 500 block of Fairmont and 400 South Greenwood; staff said ordinance changes let the city ticket vehicle owners by plate if evidence is obtained and temporary cameras can be used in chronic locations.
Alderman Jones told the board about recurring illegal dumping on the West Side and specific blocks, and urged temporary cameras and stiffer penalties to deter repeat offenders.
"It's killing us in the city," Jones said, describing mattresses, tires and brush appearing repeatedly in the 500 block of Fairmont and other blocks. He urged fines of "$500 to $1,000" to deter dumping and said residents are frustrated by repeat incidents.
Mayor Curtis and Superintendent Newton described the city's existing tools: an ordinance revision that allows the city to ticket the vehicle owner if make/model and license plate are obtained, and temporary cameras used successfully on Locust to reduce chronic dumping. Newton estimated hauling costs average "somewhere between on average 7 to $9,000 a month" and said the annual cost for hauling illegal dumps could exceed $100,000 across the city.
Board members asked staff to provide addresses of chronic sites and coordinate temporary camera placement with the police chief. The board did not take a formal vote but requested staff follow up with targeted enforcement at documented sites.
