Disappointing Response From the City

October 12th, 2012, 8:21 pm

This week we worked hard to gather information about the current recycling practices in downtown Windsor. We wanted to learn what is being done now so we know what we can propose to make it better. We attempted to contact the City of Windsor through email and phone to speak to someone about the current practices. Unfortunately no one has responded to our email yet, and when we called, we were put on hold for 20 minutes before we gave up. At this point, we are really disappointed in the response, or lack there of, from the city. We were hoping that they would want to help us, but from what we can tell right now, it seems like they are very unwilling to talk about this issue in the city. Are they ashamed of how it is right now, and feel uncomfortable talking about it? We feel like recycling is a very important issue that needs to be addressed. We do not understand how they can disregard the environment of our community.  From our research and analysis of the downtown area, the city has only provided waste and recycling reciprocals on the main, and most populated streets. It seems as if they are trying to give off the impression that they have dealt with the issue, but from what we can see, they have only done a surface attempt. Yes, putting in more recycling and garbage bins may cost more money, but it also provides more jobs, makes our city streets more attractive, and ultimately brings more people into the downtown core.

 

This is an example of where garbage and recyclable materials are being put in our target area due to the lack of waste bins. The area is very uninviting because is everywhere.

 

Our next step is to visit the City of Windsor offices in person. We are hoping that they will not be able to ignore us if we are standing in front of them. With any luck, next week we will be able to post that we finally have a response from the City, and we will be able to move forward.

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The Alley Prison Wall

October 12th, 2012, 4:44 pm

(Above) This is one image of the selected alleyway for our project in process.

With project presentations approaching quickly, the team had set out in searching of an alleyway that needed dire transformation. We have searched and found an ally on 39 Park Street, Windsor Ontario. This particular alleyway was one of the worst alleys in the downtown area. The pavements are cracked and uneven, as was well as, other issues such as: dangling cable wires, filthy garbage, rusted medal, and molds going on the sides of stores. This poses health issues and potential rodent infestations.

However, there is potential in transforming this alley into a beautiful walk and drive way for pedestrians and store owners. In addition, the accommodation of better ways to keep trash secured, clean and off the street ground. The lighting in that particular alley is decent for safety wise. Only issue is that it is unappealing. The lighting used in this alleyway look the same as the ones found in prison movies. The comparison is quite frighting and not the kind of idea we want people to perceive as they walk into this alley. But we don’t blame them. The pale gray walls, bared windows and urine stained walls cry’s for an urban transformation. Our hopes at the end of this project is to transform this particular alley into a flourishing walkway that would attract the attention of pedestrians and offer a positive perspective that these neglected streets can be saved.

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