Harlem Sidewalk Collects Weeks Of Trash Before City Cleanup Begins

The cleanup was delayed after officials said an unhoused person was staying at the site.

By Ainsley Martinez, Patch Staff

Jul 23, 2026 11:52 AM EDT

Sanitation crews postponed the cleanup because the area was being used as shelter, triggering a response involving outreach teams and police. (David Allen/Patch)

HARLEM, NY— City agencies move forward with clearing a Harlem walkway after trash, illegal dumping and an encampment drew concerns, coordinating a response with sanitation crews, homeless outreach teams and police.

The Department of Sanitation said it had scheduled a cleanup of the area Tuesday night, but an unhoused individual was staying at the site.

Because the space was being used as shelter, DSNY said the cleanup required a broader response involving the Department of Homeless Services and NYPD.

The NYPD said enforcement of illegal dumping in areas occupied by people experiencing homelessness requires coordination with DHS before cleanup efforts can move forward.

What Happened At The Site?

The walkway, located near St. Nicholas Avenue between 141st and 145th streets, had accumulated trash and illegally dumped items over the summer.

By Wednesday morning, much of the area had been cleared, CBS News New York reported.

New DHS notices posted along the walkway informed people using the area for shelter that a cleanup was scheduled for July 28 and that outreach services would be available.

How Are City Agencies Responding?

DHS said outreach teams have been visiting the area regularly and working to connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter and other services.

"DHS staff and our contracted outreach teams engage New Yorkers living on the street, build relationships, and offer connections to shelter, housing, and treatment options that meet their needs," the agency wrote in a statement.

The department said outreach teams have helped place 24 unhoused New Yorkers from the area into shelter since March.

Ahead of the scheduled cleanup, DHS said outreach workers will continue visiting the site to offer services.

"Our goal is to ensure that by the time a formal cleaning occurs New Yorkers who have stayed there are on their unique path toward stability and what remains is simply a clean-up of any items left behind," DHS wrote.

What Happens Next?

DHS outreach teams will continue visiting the area before the scheduled July 28 cleanup.

City workers will coordinate sanitation efforts after outreach operations are completed.