Editor, The Spotlight;
I just read on-line the Bethlehem Town Supervisor’s report for the month. I refer specifically to the comment about the late leaf pick up that has riled most town residents. The explanation from the town is that it was caused by late leaf fall and an early snowfall. I, and many others I speak to, find this difficult to believe.
In my area, Delmar, almost all the leaves were down by Nov. 1 before the snows. Normally, the town picks leaves up with one truck and some workmen raking. Now since the town has delayed, it had to send out multiple heavy duty construction vehicles to first defrost the iced-up leaves, and another heavy duty vehicle to then lift the piles into trucks to haul the loads away. This went on for two weeks in my area, and still many piles of leaves were not removed. This heavy duty operation has damaged the lawns, and we will need to perform major yard work in the spring.
Now we are told to bag the leftover leaves for pick up. This time of year, because of the weather, bags will get wet and just break. I can’t guess how much extra this current leaf operation is costing the town as it continues through the winter.
Perhaps the town should look to a more efficient, rapid clean up next year?
Jim Botta
Delmar
