The City of Pueblo will begin a multi-day cleanup and outreach activity at Fountain Creek on Monday in collaboration with partner agencies to address environmental health and safety concerns.
The area has been identified as a concern for city officials, residents and business owners, according to a city news release, raising concerns about garbage and the homeless who often use the site as an encampment. .
The Pueblo Ordinance Enforcement Unit brings together community partners, such as the Pueblo Police Department and Fire Department, to organize efforts to clean up.
“Pueblo City’s greatest concern is the safety and health of its people and the protection of our waterways. We know this cleanup will provide much-needed outreach and environmental protection in the area. Mayor Nick Gladizer said in a release.
Community partners involved in this effort are expected to provide outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in their area to meet their needs and connect them to resources.
Loaders and skid steers are used to haul the trash, and once the cleanup is complete, rocks are placed at various locations in the area to discourage people from driving in, camping and living.
According to Pueblo Police Department spokesperson Capt. Dustin Taylor, trash is accumulating from people living in the area, while others are using it as a dumping ground. Boulder is expected to moderate these actions.
Pueblo Police Chief Chris Noller said, “This cleanup will not only improve the lives of those who are not housed, but will also improve the quality of life for citizens who want to enjoy amenities such as Fountain Creek. .
The cleanup event is the first of its magnitude in at least several years, Taylor said. has temporarily halted plans to continue these efforts.
The event comes just weeks after the Fountain Watershed Flood Control and Greenway District completed its 9th annual “Creek Week” where 175 volunteers helped collect debris along the watershed. will be
Chieftain Reporter Josue Perez can be reached at JHPerez@gannett.com.. Follow him on Twitter @josuepwrites.
