In Chicago, concerns over sidewalk cleanliness have prompted calls for renewed efforts from both city officials and private property owners. Catherine Wifler, a longtime resident and current Michigan Avenue apartment owner, reflects on past practices that maintained tidier streetscapes and advocates for their return.

Wifler recalls that during the early 1980s, building owners and managers downtown routinely ensured that sidewalks and adjacent streets remained clean. This effort typically involved maintenance workers making multiple daily rounds to collect trash and hose down sidewalks, with particular attention given to removing gum deposits using specialized tools.

Today, Wifler observes a decline in such upkeep, noting a scarcity of public trash bins along city sidewalks, which she regards as a contributing factor to litter accumulation. She personally dedicates time to picking up trash in front of her building but must supply her own bags due to the limited availability of city-installed receptacles.

Wifler urges the city to reinstate proactive maintenance programs, including encouraging building owners to take responsibility for sidewalk cleanliness and installing visible signage to deter littering. She also suggests placing trash bins at every corner, securely fixed to the sidewalk, or alternatively, having property owners maintain bins outside their premises.

In lieu of formal measures, Wifler encourages residents and visitors alike to assist in keeping Chicago’s public spaces clean by voluntarily picking up litter when possible, emphasizing the collective role in preserving the city’s appearance. The appeal highlights ongoing community interest in addressing urban cleanliness through both individual action and institutional support.