But these days (and I think of it as a post-Covid phenomenon) the problem has taken on gigantic proportions. As a resident of Briarcliff Manor and a frequent driver down Route 9, I particularly noticed this on the stretch between the entrance to Phelps Hospital and Guadalajara restaurant. The garbage was thick on the ground, and I don’t just mean drink cans and paper cups. There was heavy duty plastics, cardboard packaging, Styrofoam, a bizarre rash of red Folgers coffee canisters, and much more. At the turn to Route 117 were filled, industrial-looking bins, furniture and other undreamed-of ejections. (I use the past tense as a New York State Department of Transport – NYSDOT – clean-up is just taking place, giving some temporary respite.)
I was also contacted by Briarcliff Village Manager Josh Ringel who suggested I approach NYSDOT – which is responsible for the highways – and consider starting an Adopt-A-Highway scheme. This is a sponsorship system by which businesses, organizations or, as in our case, concerned citizens can volunteer to be responsible for a stretch of roadway, in return for state support. The commitment is for two years and requires four clean-ups a year. NYSDOT must approve the section of roadway selected, usually for a length of some two miles, and if agreed, they then supply safety training, hazard vests, trash bags and disposal of the collected waste.
This is not a minor undertaking, and it seems possible that NYSDOT will not approve the roadway I’m talking about, given it includes a steep hillside. But I’m working to assemble this group, and if anyone would like to become a part of it, please contact me via Messenger or through River Journal.
But once a year just isn’t enough to turn the tide or even stem it. So, I am wondering if we should plan a regular Stash the Trash program, perhaps cleaning once or twice a month, and spreading the effort beyond individual black spots? I know this has been done in other villages, with the support of local businesses. It takes some organization, and a significant degree of participation, but if the community shows a willingness, I’d be happy to try to start organizing it.
So, good citizens of Briarcliff, are you with me?
dot.ny.gov/programs/adopt-highway