Prioritize maintenance and enforce litter laws

Recent signers:
David Sylvia and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Growing up in our beloved city, I remember playing in the well-maintained parks, walking along clean nature trails, and feeling a deep sense of pride in our neighborhoods. These spaces were not just areas in the city, but sanctuaries for families and gathering spots where memories were made. However, over the years, the condition of our main streets, parks, nature trails, and neighborhoods has deteriorated, riddled with litter and neglect.

We owe it to our children to provide them with a city they can be proud of, a city where they can play without stepping over garbage, where they can explore nature trails without the eyesore of trash, and where they feel safe and happy. The declining state of our public spaces is not just an eyesore; it affects us socially, economically, and environmentally. It's time to prioritize their maintenance and enforce stricter litter ordinances to protect and preserve our city's beauty for future generations.

Evidence from urban studies demonstrates that well-maintained public spaces increase community pride, boost local tourism, and raise property values. By neglecting these areas, we risk the overall well-being of our community and future generations' quality of life. Moreover, illegal dumping and littering have become all too common. This not only harms the environment but also leads to higher city maintenance costs and deterogens the community's morale.

To address this issue, we propose the following actions:
1. Implement regular and systematic maintenance schedules for our public spaces.
2. Increase surveillance to catch and deter illegal dumping activities.
3. Engage with local communities through clean-up drives and awareness programs highlighting the importance of keeping our city clean.
4. Stricter enforcement of existing litter ordinances with steeper fines for violators.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that our children inherit a city that's not just maintained, but cherished—a place where they too can create wonderful memories without the blemish of neglect.

Please sign this petition to urge our city officials to take immediate action and prioritize the maintenance of our streets, parks, nature trails, and neighborhoods. Together, we can make a difference.
Victory
This petition made change with 433 supporters!
Recent signers:
David Sylvia and 19 others have signed recently.

The Issue

Growing up in our beloved city, I remember playing in the well-maintained parks, walking along clean nature trails, and feeling a deep sense of pride in our neighborhoods. These spaces were not just areas in the city, but sanctuaries for families and gathering spots where memories were made. However, over the years, the condition of our main streets, parks, nature trails, and neighborhoods has deteriorated, riddled with litter and neglect.

We owe it to our children to provide them with a city they can be proud of, a city where they can play without stepping over garbage, where they can explore nature trails without the eyesore of trash, and where they feel safe and happy. The declining state of our public spaces is not just an eyesore; it affects us socially, economically, and environmentally. It's time to prioritize their maintenance and enforce stricter litter ordinances to protect and preserve our city's beauty for future generations.

Evidence from urban studies demonstrates that well-maintained public spaces increase community pride, boost local tourism, and raise property values. By neglecting these areas, we risk the overall well-being of our community and future generations' quality of life. Moreover, illegal dumping and littering have become all too common. This not only harms the environment but also leads to higher city maintenance costs and deterogens the community's morale.

To address this issue, we propose the following actions:
1. Implement regular and systematic maintenance schedules for our public spaces.
2. Increase surveillance to catch and deter illegal dumping activities.
3. Engage with local communities through clean-up drives and awareness programs highlighting the importance of keeping our city clean.
4. Stricter enforcement of existing litter ordinances with steeper fines for violators.

By taking these steps, we can ensure that our children inherit a city that's not just maintained, but cherished—a place where they too can create wonderful memories without the blemish of neglect.

Please sign this petition to urge our city officials to take immediate action and prioritize the maintenance of our streets, parks, nature trails, and neighborhoods. Together, we can make a difference.

The Decision Makers

Fall River City Council
9 Members
1 Responded
Michael Canuel
Fall River City Council
Thank you to everyone who has signed and supported this petition. I’ve been hearing the same concerns from residents across Fall River—about litter, illegal dumping, and the condition of our streets, parks, and public spaces. The pride people have in our city is clear, and so is the expectation that we do better. In response, I have filed a resolution for the April 28th City Council meeting that directly addresses these concerns. The resolution requests that, as part of the upcoming FY2027 budget presentation, the Administration clearly outline: • Staffing dedicated to cleanliness and maintenance • Enforcement resources for littering and illegal dumping • Operational steps to improve service across the city It also calls for regular updates to the City Council Committee on Health and Environmental Affairs, which I am proud to chair, to ensure continued focus and accountability. This is a collaborative step forward—making sure the concerns raised by residents are reflected in how we allocate resources and deliver services. I appreciate everyone who has taken the time to speak up. Your voices are being heard, and I will continue working to make sure we see real, visible progress in our neighborhoods. — Councilor Michael G. Canuel Chair, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee
Michelle Dionne
Fall River City Council
Cliff Ponte
Fall River City Council
Paul Coogan
Fall River City Mayor

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Petition created on April 22, 2026