Is the City Cleaning Up?

The City of Bethlehem posted the following on their website www.bethlehem-pa.gov on January 9, 2008 regarding the leaves and the collection problems.

"Dear Resident:
Due to trees shedding their leaves late in the season and several early snow falls, City crews have continued to make one last pass through neighborhoods to collect large leaf piles. Efforts to pick-up leaves will continue for several weeks.

Residents are asked to abide by Article 721 of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Bethlehem and not continue to rake leaves into the street after December 25th. Many residents have continued to rake leaves into the street even until now (January 9th), which is making even areas that have been cleaned recently look bad, and also making it impossible to get done. Its imperative that we complete leaf collection prior to the onset of additional adverse weather. As always, city residents may bag leaves and call (610) 865-7065 for pick-up.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we continue this service operation. If you have any questions please call (610) 865-7050.
Sincerely,
Department of Public Works"

This a poor response to the growing problem, since the majority of the excess leaves on the streets have now turned into a mushy muddy mess. The historic areas are extremely effected by this problem and the city has not yet even cleaned that area. I am not sure why this became a problem this year, I do not think the leaves fell any later than usual.