Sanitation

In 2013, the Downtown Alliance deployed "BigBelly" solar powered trash compactors and accompanying recycling receptacles throughout our district. These compactors dramatically cut down on the number of trash bags placed along the district's narrow public sidewalks awaiting pick-up from the City. To date, we operate and maintain over 340 of these units.

Our crews regularly remove stickers and illegal advertisements on light poles and other street furniture, in addition to seasonally repainting these elements to keep them looking fresh and clean. 

We're proud that our efforts have made Lower Manhattan 100% graffiti-free. Downtown Alliance crews use high-tech equipment, such as our state-of-the-art power washer, to combat grime. Always on the lookout for graffiti, we welcome alerts from building owners and area merchants. Once alerted, we'll head to the trouble spots promptly to remove graffiti. To report graffiti, e-mail ContactUs@DowntownNY.com.

Following snowfall, we clear bus stops, fire hydrants, all corner caps, plaza surfaces, sidewalks, and crosswalks of snow to create a clear and accessible pathway. In addition to coordinating with the Department of Sanitation, our crews take into account pedestrian traffic and the entrance/egress of public transportation nodes as a guideline for street prioritization.

When the storm passes, our crews are quick to identify and assist the City in re-mediating any unsafe conditions, and perform a thorough cleaning and clearing of debris to get the district back to "business as usual" in a timely manner.