Citizens with concerns about city operations can call the center at 814-870-1111 or submit queries online
Erie Times-News
Would you like to dispute that parking ticket you received downtown, or report an abandoned vehicle?
Are you curious about how to get rid of a large item?
Did you wake up to find that your garbage still on the curb?
The city of Erie's Citizen Response Center, which responds to a host of complaints and questions from the community, can help you out.
The center was launched shortly after Erie Mayor Joe Schember took office in January 2018 to deal with questions, comments, concerns and find solutions for Erie residents whenever possible.
The center is managed by Mas Sala, a veteran city employee who serves as Erie's citizen response coordinator. The center receives an average of 1,950 inquiries from citizens each year, according to Rob Lee, the city's director of communications.
Citizens can call the center at 814-870-1111 or submit a complaint, concern or even a compliment online at cityof.erie.pa.us/residents/services/citizen-response-center. Telephone callers might be required to leave a voice mail message.
The Citizen Response Center is open Mondays through Fridays from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Queries/comments received outside of those hours will receive a response as soon as possible.
Here are the five most common questions received by the Citizen Response Center, according to city officials, and their answers.
How do I get rid of a large item?
The city picks up as many as three large items, such as a broken chair, table or unwanted couch, with a resident's regular trash. Large-item pickup must be scheduled online or by calling 870-1450.
After scheduling a successful large-item pickup, residents receive a confirmation number and are given a designated evening to place the item curbside.
No tires, electronics, or hazardous waste are accepted.
Where do I report a missed garbage pickup for recyclables, compost and/or cardboard?
Residents can call the Citizen Response Center or fill out a new pickup request online.
Who do I contact to report an abandoned vehicle?
Reports can be made to the Erie Bureau of Police's non-emergency number at 814-870-1125 or the Citizen Response Center. Callers are asked to provide information on the type/location of the vehicle and approximate length of time that the vehicle has sat idle/abandoned in that area.
How do I report overgrown grass, junk on properties or other code enforcement/property maintenance issues?
Those complaints can be made to the Citizen Response Center either by telephone or online. The issue will be referred to the city's Office of Code Enforcement within 24 hours or sooner.
Who do I speak with about my parking ticket?
The Erie Parking Authority addresses issues about parking tickets. Please call the Parking Authority at 814-456-7588. Tickets cannot be contested after 30 days.
For more information about parking, visit erieparking.com/faqs/.
Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on X at @ETNflowers.
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