New York City's plan to tackle trash and rats has hit a snag. The city wants Business Improvement Districts (BIDs) to buy expensive trash containers. This is causing a stir, as BIDs are not city agencies but groups that support local businesses. They already fund street cleaning and security from their own budgets. The city's demand seems unfair and shows a lack of understanding of BIDs' role.

      BIDs have been around for 50 years, working to keep streets safe and clean. They operate in areas like Arthur Ave. in the Bronx, helping to maintain the charm of places like Little Italy. They supplement city services, not replace them. Their workers sweep streets and bag trash, a task they've done for decades. But now, the city wants them to use containers, which can cost thousands of dollars each.

      The city's move raises questions. Who will pay for these containers? What about liability issues? BIDs have asked these questions, but the city has been silent. BIDs are not obligated to clean streets. The trash they pick up is mostly from the public, not businesses. If the cost becomes too high, BIDs might focus more on security or promotion.

      The city's timing is also odd. They recently replaced street corner trash cans but didn't add containers. Meanwhile, they spent millions on composting containers for residents. This seems like a missed opportunity to support BIDs, who voluntarily do sanitation and security work. The city's core mission should include these services, not pass the cost to BIDs.

      The deadline for using containers is August 1, with tickets starting next year. The city's plan has ironies and missed chances. It's a complex situation, but one thing is clear: someone has to pay the price for New York's trash battle.

New York's Trash Battle: Who Pays the Price?

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