By By Adam Prestridge
Things are beginning to clean up quickly around Atmore.
Mayor Howard Shell believes efforts to remove debris left behind by Hurricane Dennis in early July are going well.
The Atmore City Council unanimously voted to award Crowder-Gulf of Theodore the contract for Hurricane Dennis debris removal, disposal and reduction during a special called meeting on July 21. Last Monday crews with Crowder-Gulf swept into Atmore and quickly began hauling tractor-trailer loads of debris out of the city.
Shell said Crowder-Gulf will make three passes through Atmore before the curbside removal operations are completed on Friday, September 16. He said the quicker residents get their debris to the curb, the quicker it will be picked up.
Shell also stressed that various types of debris don't need to be mixed or it won't be picked up.
Crowder-Gulf employees have had to close many of the roads in the residential areas of Atmore while using heavy equipment to pick up and haul off the debris. Shell said Atmore residents have been very understanding of the sacrifices they've had to make.
Atmore's debris removal program is a bit different than that performed following Hurricane Ivan. Shell warned that some debris may not be picked up.
According to Shell, the only eligible areas for debris removal are in residential areas. He said commercial and large properties, such as large wooded area, are not eligible.
City Parks
Unfortunately Mayor Shell reports that the city's parks will remain closed for an indefinite amount of time until potential hazardous repairs are made.
Tom Byrne Park received an extensive amount of damage, which adds to that caused by Hurricane Ivan. Houston Avery Park will also remain close while repairs are made.