While small piles of trash remain, the large items that once littered the area are now gone. <\/p>\n
A new sign posted along the roadway warns drivers: No dumping allowed.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe county sent out crime prevention officers to our neighborhood watch meetings,\u201d said Abigayle Hedges-Austin, who lives in the Midway community.<\/p>\n
Hedges-Austin says the Midway residents stayed in contact with the county. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey have been in contact with us, and they were able to get a sign,” Hedges-Austin said. <\/p>\n
According to El Paso County, Code Enforcement and Public Works removed more than 65 tons of trash and debris last September along the road between Rancho Colorado Boulevard and Indian Village Heights.<\/p>\n
Hedges-Austin credits county staff and community involvement for the progress.<\/p>\n
\u201cScott Shevock with Code Enforcement did a lot of work,\u201d she said. \u201cColorado Public Works \u2014 a lot of dumpsters, a lot of people.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the area is cleaner, residents say the problem hasn\u2019t completely disappeared. <\/p>\n
Hedges-Austin says trash is slowly returning, prompting neighbors to focus on prevention.<\/p>\n
\u201cA few people are trying to set up cameras out there,\u201d Hedges-Austin said.<\/p>\n
El Paso County Code Enforcement says it continues working directly with property owners to clean up the area. <\/p>\n
Since last January, 17 properties in the Midway area have come into compliance and been cleaned up. <\/p>\n
Officials say enforcement remains complaint-based, and illegal dumping should be reported to the El Paso County Sheriff\u2019s Office.<\/p>\n
Hedges-Austin says none of it would have happened without the attention the KOAA’s first report brought. <\/p>\n
\u201cI really appreciate bringing light to the issue,\u201d she said. \u201cWe are out in the middle of nowhere, but there are a lot of people who live out there. A lot of people take pride in living out there. I appreciate y\u2019all\u2019s work.\u201d<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Department of Local Affairs designates four cities as Main Street Communities<\/p>\n
Cripple Creek and Woodland Park join more than 30 cities statewide with the “Main Street community” designation.<\/p>\n
Department of Local Affairs designates four cities as Main Street Communities<\/p>\n
News Tips <\/p>\n
What should KOAA5 cover? Is there a story, topic, or issue we should revisit? Have a story you believe should make the light of day? Let our newsroom know with the contact form below. <\/p>\n
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