‘It’s going great’: Bessemer mayor said 90-day cleanup blitz is making progress

BESSEMER, Ala. (WBRC) - Bessemer leaders said a 90-day effort to clean up blight is making progress as crews remove trash and clear overgrown lots and debris across the city.

Mayor Louise Alexander said blight has been a problem in Bessemer for years and was one of the first issues she wanted to address after taking office.

“When I tell you it’s going good, it’s going great,” Alexander said during a recent city council meeting.

Alexander said residents have reached out to her office to show their appreciation to the city for cleaning up areas they felt had been overlooked.

“They call the office and they say thank you. I mean, some alleys and some streets have been overlooked for almost three, four months. You know how much trash that is, so we’re on it,” she said.

City leaders said so far, cleanup areas include Jonesboro, Pipe Shop and Hall Avenue. Crews have been working to remove trash, tree limbs and other debris as part of the citywide effort.

William Lewis, Bessemer’s Assistant Director of Public Improvement, said the city has a plan to complete the cleanup relatively quickly.

“Trying to do everything around the city to make sure everything is clean. We have a plan in place and as long as we stick to that plan, the city should be cleaned within 90 days or before,” Lewis said.

Bessemer Police said they are also cracking down on illegal dumping and warn that people caught dumping illegally could face fines of up to $500.

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