LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) – The City of Lubbock is taking a new approach to keeping the North Overton neighborhood clean. In January, KCBD spoke to a business owner and students about the bird droppings piled up on sidewalks and in front of businesses.
The city council approved a contract with Tom’s Tree Place to pay nearly $685,000 from a North Overton Public Improvement District fund for one year of landscape maintenance and bird mitigation. About $44,000 will go to controlling the grackle population and cleaning droppings.
“Safety is priority. Got to make sure we keep it clean. We’re going to try to reduce the population by giving them other areas to possibly go. But ultimately, it is very important for everybody that comes down this avenue or this boulevard because it is a very beautiful space,” said Danielle Williams, the city’s business development director.
The work will include keeping trash picked up, removing the birds’ food source and pressure washing droppings.
“We’re using different things like looking at the trees and possibly thinning out some of the canopy, any type of deterrent that would help reduce the amount of birds in the area. There is auditory things that we can do,” Williams said.
The contract lists other possible methods like spikes and netting, reflective devices and predator decoys.
“It will happen very frequently. There is a lot of stipulations in the contract that they have to come and inspect the area on a regular basis to help really take control and make sure that they are mitigating this problem,” Williams said.
Williams said there is a special focus on making sure the area is clean when events are happening and Red Raiders are walking the area.
“We only have a responsibility to the right-of-way and so that is only the curb and three to four feet in and anything beyond that is the property owner’s responsibility. So, we really try to encourage everybody to do their part because that way we can all work together in ensuring that we have a safe space for everybody to walk,” Williams said.
Business owner Holli Baker emailed city staff and started a petition in January about the problem. Williams said those concerns made an impact.
“Absolutely. You know, it’s always our main focus to provide a service to our citizens and our community when we hear concerns,” Williams said.
Baker said she is glad to hear the city is moving forward with a solution and that it feels good to see progress after so many people voiced concerns. She said she hopes the measures can be put in place before the birds return in October.
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