Full Notification

Dear Borough Residents:
 
We have had any number of recent inquiries regarding whether, or not, we will be changing the Spring 2020 brush and leaf pickup schedule, with some residents requesting early and/or additional pickup. At this point in time, we have approximately 200 properties that already have put brush and/or leaves to the curb, early or “off-schedule.” I realize it was a very warm winter and that landscapers have been deemed essential businesses, so they are working.  As such, as per the Mayor and Council’s directive, we will be kick-starting our spring brush and leaf pickup, as follows:
 
Beginning Monday, March 30^th, the Borough’s DPW will be sending out two crews to do one brush and leaf pickup in all Zones, A-B-C.
 
Please put your brush and leaves in separate piles and place them to the curb by Sunday night, March 29^th.  Please also keep in mind that with residents staying home, we have many more cars parked on the streets during the day.  Please coordinate with your neighbors to keep brush and leaves away from parked cars, so our crews and equipment can get down your street. 
 
Once the DPW crew goes down your street next week, they will not return to your zone until your regularly scheduled week, as per the Borough calendar.  Zone A – April 6^th,  Zone B – April 13^th,   Zone C – April 20^th.
 
Some residents do ask why they can’t just place brush and leaves to the curb whenever they want, which is a fair question. The answer is multi-faceted, but mainly it centers on limited manpower and equipment that is shared for a variety of DPW functions. Fair Haven has eight (8) full-time laborers in our Public Works Department and they deliver a full range of services throughout the Borough, all year long. 
 
Please also keep in mind that the current coronavirus emergency declaration, adds an entirely new dimension to managing and delivering all Borough services. We must be prepared to deliver essential services, even with the possibility that staffing may be reduced due to illness and/or quarantine.  We must also be prepared to take on services that are presently being performed by private contractors, such as trash and recycling collection, should the contractor’s employees be unable to report to work. 
 
Now more than ever, it is critical that all brush and leaves be placed for pickup in accordance with the published schedule and regulations of the Borough. After the pickup period has passed and the streets have been cleaned, no additional debris may be placed curbside until the next scheduled pickup. Aside from detracting from the appearance of our Borough, debris left in the streets impedes the flow of stormwater and exacerbates flood conditions. It also causes traffic and safety hazards for pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists, at a time when people are trying to walk and bike, while maintaining social distancing.  So we are asking all residents to be considerate of your neighbors and your community, by willingly cooperating with the published schedule and making sure that your landscaper does so also. 
 
I thank you for your anticipated cooperation and, as always, I welcome your input, comments, and suggestions.   Feel free to email me at [email protected] . I may not answer you immediately, but I assure you that I will read every email and I will respond to you as soon as practical. 
 
Best regards,
Theresa Casagrande, Fair Haven Borough Administrator