The Cooper-Young Community Association’s monthly general meeting was held at Epicenter Memphis March 12. About 20 residents attended the meeting. The community got the opportunity to hear from representatives of the Cooper-Young Garden Walk about how neighborhood residents can participate in the walk, and there was a drawing for a free ticket.
Candidates for the upcoming CYCA election also spoke about their desires for Cooper-Young and what they look forward to in the roles of secretary and vice president.
The featured guest was the director of the city’s solid waste division, who came to talk to guests about recycling challenges and opportunities. The new director, Albert Lamar, assured that the city will continue to provide recycle bins to the neighborhood as Cooper-Young is their largest user, recycling approximately 1,500 tons a month. He also said the city has received a grant to beautify different recycle centers and has chosen CY as one of the first locations to be upgraded. However, the bins will be indefinitely removed from First Congo Church.
“You all are what we call super users,” Lamar said.
The goal is for CY to lead the way in recycling in the city. The 90-day old director warned the audience that if current resources are not dealt with properly, they won’t be available for our grandchildren. He has made changes to the delivery chain and promises faster response time. He is adamant that he is available to Memphis residents.
“I do not shy away from meeting the people I serve,” he said.
Per the Director, “picker piles” will not need to be reported as his drivers are driving up and down streets everyday seeing what’s out there. Their goal is to relieve the burden from residents having to call 311. Already, he has seen positive results from this.
He also addressed recycling rates saying that, “Memphis recycling was never about making money. It was designed because it’s the right thing to do.”
Next up for Recycle Memphis will be an app they are developing to communicate to Memphis all things recycling and everything that comes along with it. They have promised to return to the neighborhood to give a hands-on demonstration and tutorial on the app at another general meeting. Lastly, he informed the crowd that he has the full support of the mayor and city council and he is taking full advantage of that. He wants to get the job done for Cooper-Young. — S.S.
