Seniors Not Happy With New Leaf Policy

Staff reports

“What should you do if you can’t physically do it?” says senior citizen resident Robert Grant, Sr. “These trees and leaves have been around for as long as I can remember, and I’m 89 years old; it’s not a new problem,” Grant said.

Grant echoed the sentiment of many seniors in the area who, due to physical limitations, and/or fixed incomes, can’t physically get out and rake leaves, nor hire someone to do it.

Asheville Public Works Director Cathy Ball said the city has heard from
a number of senior citizens, and the city is “revisiting” the leaf
raking and bagging issue. “The city made the shift because its four
leaf-sucking trucks are just worn out. When they are working, they use a
lot of fuel,” Ball said, and the replacements parts for the trucks run
around $75,000 apiece. The bagging system saves the city about $100,000 a
year.”

Ball went on to say that, “the City Council is aware of this situation,
and asked us to put together different options, but we will not be able
make any changes this year. The best option for senior residents who
can’t physically rake and bag leaves is to call the 211 line. Volunteers
are supposed to be available to help.”

“It’s terrible how they forget about us (seniors) when they make these
thoughtless decisions, but they remember us when the taxes are due,”
concluded Grant.