Trenton has launched a new monthly CompStat/Citi-Stat Program, which is designed to give residents a chance to speak directly to city officials about quality-of-life concerns.
The first meeting was held on May 15 in conjunction with members of the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs.
During the meeting’s public forum, residents voiced concerns about neighborhood signage, potholes and dirt bike riders on the streets.
Janice Chlo, a resident for 72 years, expressed worry about the streets and roads in Trenton.
“These potholes are very, very dangerous,” Chlo told city officials. “They’re tearing up my car and I know they’re tearing up everybody else’s car,”
Albertus Carol, a resident for 50 years, complained about a lack of public notification for the neighborhood’s Hispanic residents about holiday trash pickup.
Carol wants signs written in Spanish distributed during holiday weekends so residents don’t put trash outside.
“Whenever there’s a holiday, particularly on the weekends, the garbage is left for the whole entire weekend,” Carol said.
“Memorial Day, Labor Day, Good Friday. A lot of people aren’t aware that the garbage is not going to be picked up,” Carol said.
Carol said the neighborhood is comprised of mostly Hispanic speaking people.
“What I do is type something out in Spanish to to inform them that there’s no garbage day,” Carol said.
“So, I’m asking if maybe some type of notice will be given to the residents so we won’t have to look at that. Is it’s just disgusting,” Carol said.
Resident Lai O’Brien alerted officials to trash at city bus stops.
“I think we should put trash cans at every bus stop and if possible to put bins at bus stops,” O’Brien said.
O’Brien also asked the city to consider fixing a clock located downtown.
“The clock on West State Street across from the capitol I was told is a private clock, but it’s a beautiful clock. I wish the city could take it over and fix it now that the capital is looking for beautiful,” O’Brien said.
Resident Genie Winkle told officials about a broken utility pole that remained hanging in her neighborhood after an accident.
“Comcast showed up and tied a rope to the pole. But it’s been a month,” Winkle said.
Staffan McCall expressed concern about children on dirt bikes and ATV’s on city streets. McCall asked for an alternative place for them to ride.
Don Daves expressed concern about people congregating at a neighborhood gas station. He also said they were selling drugs.
“It’s nothing but a drug infested place,” Daves said. “I have brought my concerns to the City Council. I’ve talked to the the captain here. He told me to call the police when I see some action.
“Well, I called the police the other day because they’re not only hanging there. They’re hanging in front of my house now. Now there’s a problem,” Daves said.
The Trenton Citi-Stat Initiative is a performance-based management system designed to improve government efficiency, accountability, and service delivery.
Citi-Stat aims help city departments work more effectively and ensure that Trenton residents receive higher-quality public services through regular review meetings, collaborative problem-solving, and a focus on measurable results.
The next meeting will be held at 5 p.m. on June 18 at Trenton City Hall Council Chambers, 319 E. State Street, 2nd Floor.
The public forum is available only to in-person attendees.
Zoom access is available at ZOOM MEETING LINK | https://www.zoomgov.com/j/16003746800#
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Stephanie Loder may be reached at [email protected].