Illegal dumping is creating dangerous conditions along Webster Avenue, stretching from East Gun Hill Road up to 233rd Street. Trash, rubble and even broken pavement are blocking sidewalks and spilling into the street, forcing neighbors to walk alongside traffic.

Residents say the problem isn’t new and that it keeps getting worse.

Shakeena, a resident, says they’ve lived in the area for more than a decade and have watched the block go downhill year after year.

She continues to say the sidewalks here look worse than public housing projects.

In addition to the safety hazard, many in the community believe the only way to address the issue is through stronger support and accountability, not just occasional cleanups.

News 12 reached out to the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) about the problem, and it released the following statement:

“We know this area to be a hotspot for illegal dumping, and our cleaning and enforcement teams are here frequently, most recently on September 10.

Those who are treating this block as their dumping ground are on notice that we have a network of more than 300 cameras as well as in-person surveillance. When we catch these dumpers, we impound their vehicle and issue a summons for $4,000, plus the cost of cleaning. (Feel free to use any of the videos here in your reporting on this:

All New Yorkers deserve clean, safe streets, and we encourage all residents who see illegal dumping or excessive litter to call 311. We respond to these requests.”