MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee church is fed up with illegal dumping after hundreds of tires showed up right next to their property.
The tires that were illegally disposed of in a back lot near 15th N. Street and Keefe Ave. were recently removed, but it's just the latest illegal dumping issue Incarnation Lutheran Church has struggled with.
"It's a nuisance, it causes rodents, it's an eyesore and it's just wrong," said church member and volunteer Nicky.
This picture looks like it was taken at a salvage yard, but these hundreds of tires actually filled the backyard and driveway of the home right next to a century-old church.
"It looks like a tire shop being run out of a house and that's not right," Nicky said.
Nicky said her church has struggled with illegal dumping of all sorts overflowing onto their property for nearly a year. One pile of junk still remains.
"It causes a lot of problems for us because we have to get rid of it somehow and they charge us when we take it to the dump," she said.
The Department of Neighborhood Services said the home is owned by the city. While D.N.S. couldn't share whether city crews removed the mess, they're well aware of the issue as are longtime neighbors.
"Anything tires, dressers, air conditioners, anything where people just too lazy to dispose of it properly because they don't want to take the time to do it," said Ricky Weatherall.
D.N.S. recently launched a city-wide campaign to stop illegal dumping by offering a $1,000 reward for those who witness the culprits and take down information that leads to a citation up to $5,000.
"It's something that could be prevented," Nicky said. "I don't understand why it's happening and I just wish it would stop."
D.N.S. said anyone who witnesses illegal dumping is asked not to confront the individuals, rather take down their description, license plate, location and time, then call (414) 286-CITY. For more information click here.
