Why Some Abilene Properties Look Abandoned While Others Get Citations

Sometimes an article does more than get clicks...it starts a conversation.

After I wrote about the trashy, overgrown building next door to our studios, Melissa Morris, former president of Keep Abilene Beautiful, reached out to me. Instead of just trading messages, I invited her in to talk about the problem, how these situations are handled, and what residents can do when something in their neighborhood needs attention.

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Keeping Abilene Beautiful Takes More Than Complaining

This wasn’t about bashing the City of Abilene or blaming people experiencing homelessness. It was about understanding why certain properties appear to sit untouched while homeowners can be cited for tall grass.

MORE: Why Is the City of Abilene Allowing This to Continue?

Melissa discussed her time with Keep Abilene Beautiful, what the organization does, and the challenges involved in keeping an entire city clean. We also talked about how residents can report trash, overgrown properties, and other concerns through the proper channels, and why making an official report is much more effective than simply yelling about it on Facebook. Guilty as charged.

Listen to my complete interview with Melissa below.

Upcoming Abilene Cleanup and Nature Events

Residents can also get directly involved during upcoming Kirby Lake cleanup events scheduled for September 26 and October 24 from 9 a.m. until noon at the Kirby Lake Pavilion. Volunteers can call 325-721-1568 for additional information.

Families can also check out Wings on the Wind: A Science and Nature Festival on Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Abilene State Park. The event features educational games, activities, wildlife, and food and drink trucks.

If we want Abilene to look better, reporting problems matters, but grabbing a trash bag and helping doesn’t hurt either.