District Attorney Larry Krasner last week came to Lawncrest to announce the launch of a pilot initiative that will prosecute quality-of-life offenses with a particular focus on “short dumping” – the illegal discarding of trash and other debris such as tires and construction materials on public and private properties.
The pilot, called the Cleaner and Greener Enforcement Unit, is launching in the 8th and 9th Councilmanic districts. City Councilman Anthony Phillips (D-9th dist.) joined Krasner at the news conference, which took place at Newtown and Godfrey avenues, near “Snake Road.” Krasner said the program will go citywide on July 1.
The CGEU aims to address illegal dumping by utilizing cell location data and surveillance cameras to increase enforcement of these cases. Perpetrators could face charges ranging from summary offenses up to felonies, including vehicle seizure, depending on the seriousness of the crime.
Krasner said where there is dumping, there is more crime.
“It is unacceptable,” he said.
Recently, about 4,000 tires were dumped in nearby Tacony Creek Park.
“That’s a whole lot of tires,” Krasner said.
The Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed planned a cleanup on April 5.
Krasner encouraged anyone planning to dump tires or car parts to donate them instead. He recommended calling the nonprofit Wheels for Wishes at 877-431-9474.
As for illegal dumpers, he said he’ll highlight their cases, including posting their names and the location of the dump, in hopes that it will serve as a deterrent for others looking to dump.
Assistant District Attorney Teresa Benavides-Sexton will head the newly formed CGEU. A block captain, she will mix prevention and prosecution efforts so trash does not return after it’s removed.
“It’s really demoralizing to feel like you live in a trash can all day, every day,” she said.
Phillips is embracing the pilot.
“Illegal dumping is just not a nuisance, it is an attack on our neighborhoods, our environment and our quality of life,” he said.
Phillips believes community engagement, prevention efforts and enforcement can stop short dumping. He credited the work of the Tookany/Tacony-Frankford Watershed, the 215 People’s Alliance and Lawncrest Community Association members Dallas Herbert, Heather Miller, Dr. Louis Brown and Phil Grutzmacher.
Others in attendance included Sharon Vaughn, a former councilwoman who works for state Sen. Sharif Street, and Deputy Police Commissioner Myesha Massey.
To report illegal dumping, call 911 or the CGEU hotline at 215-686-8988. ••
