Eunice Litter Index worsens

Although the overall Litter Index for Eunice rose from 1.65 in 2014 to 2.4 in 2015, the city’s appearance hasn’t changed that much, Donna Baltakis, Keep Eunice Beautiful director, said. 
The city was assessed Oct. 5 and 6 for unsightly problems such as litter, overgrown vegetation and blighted buildings. 
Baltakis presented the report to the mayor and Board of Aldermen Tuesday.
“We get so used to our community we can’t see it any more,” Baltakis said at Keep Eunice Beautiful meeting at City Hall. 
The scores range from 1 to 4. A score of 1 is minimal or no litter; a 2 is slightly littered; a 3 is littered; and a 4 is extremely littered. 
Baltakis said the rise in Eunice’s score more accurately reflects the state of the city. 
But, “We were a lot worse before we started. I think most of you will say people who are coming back whether it is funeral or get-together, I’ve heard people say the city has cleaned up a little. I think there are little improvements,” she said. 
Baltakis said the city really scored 3 in 2011 and 2012. 
The score for 2012 was 1.66 and in 2013 it was 1.51. 
The scoring is done by volunteers who ride through the city. 
In the October assessment, Ward 1 scored 1.43; Ward 2 scored 1.97; Ward 3 scored 1.4; and Ward 4 scored 1.4.
The four-year overall averages by ward are: 1.6, Ward 1; 2, Ward 2; 1.4, Ward 3; and 1.4, Ward 4. 
Baltakis wrote, “Overall, the city of Eunice Litter Index scores have not been that bad, although 2015 was the highest in four years. The Litter Index did not take into account the blight in neighborhoods; abandoned houses and lots, as well as abandoned businesses. Trash, overgrown grass/bushes and buildings in various stages of deterioration are still a problem in our city. There is work to be done and it begins with serious enforcement of our codes.”
In another issue, Baltakis said a Keep America Beautiful scored Eunice 1.9 on a scale of 1 to 3 for vacant property issues. 
The researchers found the city has more than 200 abandoned properties, she said. 
Abandoned means no one is taking care of property.  The abandoned designation carries with it increased fire risk, and health and crime issues increase.