CLEVELAND — EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Nov. 2, 2022.
Just two days after asking residents to bag their leaves, the City of Cleveland and Mayor Justin Bibb has announced that they will resume the traditional leaf collection program in the previously designated high-generation neighborhoods.
The announcement comes after the City received feedback from frustrated residents, as well as from Cleveland City Council.
“I appreciate the feedback we’ve received from residents and members of council,” said Mayor Bibb. “We heard you and we are resuming the traditional program for 2022. We are also exploring ways to enhance leaf collection and other critical city services as we prepare for the 2023 budget and beyond.”
With the changes, residents in the previously designated high-generation areas must rake their leaves to the tree lawn by Sunday, Nov. 13.
Following the reinstatement of leaf pickup, Cleveland City Council responded to the Bibb Administration's actions.
“My colleagues and I have fielded many calls, complaints, and questions about leaf pickup,” said Councilman Kevin Bishop, chair of Municipal Services and Properties Committee. “Our residents were frustrated with the decision, especially coming so late into fall. We relayed that feedback to the mayor and his team. We applaud the administration for reinstating curbside leaf pickup, and we will continue working with them to provide quality services for Clevelanders.”
The City of Cleveland noted that leaf collection will begin on Monday, Nov. 14, and run for several weeks.
“I heard directly from residents on what we need to do and making sure we deliver is my priority,” Mayor Bibb added. “Delivering on the basics is critical. Despite our current capacity challenges, my administration is committed to making it work and ensuring Cleveland residents have the level of services they need and deserve.”
In the upcoming weeks, residents will see signs posted reminding them not to park on the streets during leaf collection days.
"Residents look forward to this service. Many have already started raking and prepping leaves for pickup by the city," said Council President Blaine A. Griffin. "Issue 32 – which I helped promote in 2016 – focused on improving city services that our residents pay for and deserve. Leaf pickup is just one of those services. This is another example of Council working for the residents of Cleveland.”
Any residents that bagged their leaves will still be allowed to have an unlimited number of bags set out on their regular trash collection day.
The City also mentioned that residents are welcome to 'leave the leaves' as well.
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EDITOR'S NOTE: The video above previously aired on 3News on Nov. 3, 2022.