Blocking sidewalks with trash cans Around Town, posted by Walker, a resident of the Palo Verde neighborhood, on Nov 15, 2006 at 1:53 pm
My neighborhood trash/recycling day is Tuesday morning. It absolutely amazes me that Wednesday afternoon, there are still trash cans, recycling cans, composting cans, blocking the sidewalks. Some have been out since Sunday afternoon. How can we safely negotiate the sidewalks with these obstacles. I know that Tuesday afternoon is worse because the cans are never replaced very neatly by PASCO, but they should be removed by now. How can strollers, wheelchairs, toddlers on tricycles get by. On top of that, I notice that we are inundated with car drivers who think it is a good idea to block half the sidewalk with their car. Also, there are many in my neighborhood whose hedges, plants, etc. also block half the sidewalk, sometimes at ground level. There is one house that has a wonderfully manicured hedge which has nicely been trimmed at least 12" into the sidewalk. When their cars are parked outside blocking the other half of the sidewalk, there is no way round but on the street.
Please try to remember that the sidewalks are for pedestrians to use and do not block them. Trash cans must be placed out without blocking the sidewalk and replaced into your property Tuesday evening. It is much too dangerous (as well as unsightly) to leave them out indefinitely.
Posted by Durbs, a resident of the Fairmeadow neighborhood, on Nov 15, 2006 at 6:40 pm
Feel better after venting? When PASCO gave us our recyling cans they also gave us literature on how to properly position the cans on recycling day (wheels in gutter or on grass (not blocking the sidewalk) they also asked that cans not be put out later than 6 am on pick up day and be put away that evening. Perhaps you could simply talk to your neighbors or put an anonymous note on their can(s). If that doesn't work maybe PASCO could help. Good luck
Posted by lol, a resident of the Barron Park neighborhood, on Nov 16, 2006 at 10:45 am
it sounds like you need to move into a gated community where you all have the same color house and have to wear certain colored attire to jog around the neighborhood and everyone's married to a Stepford wife.
Posted by Middleman, a resident of the Midtown neighborhood, on Nov 16, 2006 at 12:09 pm
I think there might be a middle ground between the first and last message! I don't think that Walker was complaining on aesthetic grounds, which form most of the basis for those CC&R restrictions in new developments (gated or not). I think he did have a legitimate point about safety concerns, since the sidewalk is best kept clear so people can walk there.
I love reading this forum. People will just slam just about anyone for anything! I still think this forum should be anonymous, but keep in mind that it is easier to be super-critical and kind of mean when no one knows who you are, and you aren't standing there face-to-face with someone. Of course you can say what you want, though. I think being mild-mannered and respectful is kind of cool, though - especially if you don't have to be.
Posted by Bystander, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Nov 17, 2006 at 10:38 am
I have to agree. Blocking sidewalks with cars, vegetation and trash/recycling cans can be very dangerous. We have many blind people who use midtown for training how to be independent. What if any of them wanted to walk our sidewalks. Some plants in particular come out and attack at eye level.
Unblocked sideways are important for safety of pedestrians, and also for the safety of those backing out of neighboring driveways.
Posted by Withheld, a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood, on Dec 11, 2006 at 3:44 pm
I know just what would make the situation better! As you walk down the street with your righteous indignation make sure you non chalantly tip each can on the sidewalk so that it falls onto the offending neighbor's lawn or in their flower bed. This way you get revenge for this annoyance and your neighbor is taught a good lesson. That will surely fix 'em!
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