Huntington's Alleys Reflect Poorly on Business Owners and Residents

Cities are starting to see the thousands of miles of alleys that line the backside of homes and buildings in a new way. According to an article in USA TODAY, rather than dismissing them as dark, dank and often dangerous spots used mainly for trash pickup and garage access, They are treating them as valuable real estate that can help the environment and improve city life. The "green alley" movement is gaining momentum.

In Huntington (WV), alleys reflect poorly on business owners, residential property owners and tenants. With the current attention being given to our citywide cleanup, let's not forget the alleys. If you haven't driven any of our alleys lately, be prepared to be shocked ... it is not a pretty sight. Let's get them cleaned up and kept clean, and then we can use our imaginations to find ways to utilize them in creative ways to enhance the quality of life in Huntington; as in cafes, green spaces, modern lighting, picnic areas. Why not eliminate the large waste dumpsters in favor of color coded plastic bags? Other cities are already using alleys for walking and biking, instead of driving.

Currently, our city is infamous for its unkempt alley ways. Let's get with it!