A new private property cleanup program is well underway in the Mat-Su Borough. And so far, it has led to nine property cleanups with more being organized.
This new program focuses on private properties that have code compliance issues. Borough Development Services Manager Jason Ortiz (OR-tees) says the program was developed after listening to the public about issues with junk and trash in their neighborhoods.
The Assembly provided funding for a seasonal Program Coordinator and $75,000 to test out the program. To date, Ortiz says nine properties have been cleaned up and there likely will be 12 by the end of the week. Funding for both the cleanups and Program Coordinator will end in late December.
Ortiz says they hope to have 20 properties cleaned by the end of the program. Properties span all seven districts. Code compliance officers work closely with the Coordinator to determine which properties would be a good fit.
There are two ways the program benefits local communities. Non-profit organizations that elect to participate receive cash to organize a cleanup on private property. Funds also go to pay for portable toilets, roll-off trash bins, and sometimes road closures.
Still in development is a diversion program in cooperation with the Palmer District Attorney’s Office. Offenders will soon have an option to fulfill community service requirements at one of the planned cleanups as part of a diversion program.
Ortiz says to date 112,000 pounds of trash has been removed from the blighted properties. It will be up to the Assembly to determine if they make the program permanent.
