Joliet has a high-tech way to make wayward weeds disappear — not instantly, but via its new mobile app — offering a new way for residents to report observed out-of-control overgrowth in their community.
Citizens can now report overgrown weeds and other code violations to the city and subsequently track the city’s response.
“This is an excellent way for community members to get involved in the beautification of the city,” Gideon Blustein, who serves as government affairs director for the Three Rivers Association of Realtors, said. “It’s a fast and easy way to let city officials know of health and safety issues.”
The pioneering problem-solving application, called GoRequest, was first introduced in 2013 and has been successful, officials said. The program’s continued effectiveness, city leaders said, depends largely on public participation in the reporting procedure.
Anyone can obtain the app for free. The smartphone app for iPhones and Android devices is available from the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store, respectively. Participants key in useful info, attach a photo and leave contact information. The program even provides a tracking number to use for further interaction or feedback.
“We would like to encourage Joliet residents to report excessively tall grass, weeds, or other code violations,” Alfredo Melesio, director of neighborhood services, said. “The online reporting helps our team prioritize, track and report progress so residents know their concerns are being addressed.”
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