City Of Kansas City: KCMO Initiates Litter Clean Up In Tent Camps

Press release from the City of Kansas City:

07/19/2021 9:20 AM

NEWS RELEASE The Public Works Department recently began a citywide effort focused on litter, improper storage, and tenting in the public right of way. The goal of the departmental effort is to clean up trash and litter in the public right-of-way and to ensure safety for all in busy intersections and on public streets and spaces. Working with Housing and Community Development Department, the City will continue to connect any impacted houseless residents with open shelter opportunities, services, and resources. Public Works employees arrived at various locations Sunday morning to provide trash bags and trucks to dispose of litter and trash. Housing and Community Development staff as well as members from partner organizations were available to coordinate services for any houseless City residents present. City code prohibits littering and depositing of personal property in public right-of-way (Sec.62-89). Litter pickup in the public right-of-way is a regular activity supported by Public Works crews that happens frequently around Kansas City. City code also prohibits tenting on property without landowner consent, which becomes a life safety concern for persons occupying public property (Sec. 50-107). “Safety and visibility for our residents and the traveling public and cleanliness of our right-of-way remains our responsibility under City Code,” said Public Works Director, Michael Shaw. “Our goal is to keep the right-of-way clean and safe. Public Works was glad to help with this coordinated effort to ensure safe and litter free right-of-ways. All the while, we are proud to continue to support the City’s effort in assisting our houseless citizens in obtaining much needed assistance.” Media can contact Maggie Green, Media Relations Manager, at 816-379-6562.

This press release was produced by the City of Kansas City. The views expressed here are the author’s own.