Title
Authorizing the City of Philadelphia Council Committee on Public Safety to hold public hearings to examine enforcement practices, preventative measures, and potential solutions necessary to address the widespread illegal dumping taking place in the City of Philadelphia, and to explore ways to collaborate with City agencies to address this problem.
Body
WHEREAS, Illegal dumping has been an epidemic in Philadelphia's neighborhoods for years, and contributes to the diminishing quality of life and livability for the residents of our City by creating environmental health hazards; and
WHEREAS, Across the City, there are vacant lots filled with tires that have been illegally disposed of by automobile repair shops. As the tires decompose, the chemicals they release can become airborne and lead to fires like the tire fire that spread plumes of smoke across Southwest Philadelphia in November 2021; and
WHEREAS, Commercial corridors, residential streets, lots, and alleyways across the City are littered with debris, garbage, tires and trash, causing pollution to our groundwater, air and soil. Illegal dumping also negatively affects neighborhood property values and creates potential liability for property owners; and
WHEREAS, Illegally dumped litter and debris damage our City's economy by deterring residents and visitors from shopping in local business corridors; and
WHEREAS, Various studies, including James Q. Wilson and George Kelling's "Broken Window Theory," have linked litter and debris to decreased property values and increased crime rates. The Broken Window Theory argues that crime reduction and overall public safety can be linked to the prevention of illegal dumping in neighborhoods; and
WHEREAS, Illegally dumped materials act as breeding grounds for disease-carrying pests, including rodents and mosquitoes, and pose an immediate risk to individuals who come into contact with dangerous debris; and
WHEREAS, City Departments use Philly 311 data to track res...
Click here for full text