🪧 No Dumping Sign Controversy: Why Respect Still Matters at the Curb

Fletcher Ave, Lake Como, TX | 🗓️ July 2025

“It’s not just about the trash—it’s about the tone.”

That’s what one Como resident told me after reading our last blog, “No Dumping Ol’ Messy Broad, Inc.” And she’s absolutely right.

Since publishing, the story has sparked comments, inbox pings, and phone calls from residents, city staff, and even graffiti abatement supervisors asking for clarity. So let’s offer it—with care.

🎯 The Original Issue

In 2023, a Como neighbor reported persistent dumping on her block.

What followed wasn’t conversation—it was retaliation.

A handmade sign. Painted in bold, red letters mocking her for daring to speak up:

❌ “NO DUMPING OL’ MESSY BROAD, INC.”

For two years, she had to walk past that sign every day—a message that said:

Sit down. Be quiet. Stay in your place.

🚫 When Humor Becomes Harm

Some called it a misunderstanding. Others have since stepped forward to defend the property owner. But the story has now taken a new turn:

After the City’s Graffiti Abatement team removed the original message, the sign was repainted—this time with a new insult:

❌ “NO DUMPING Messy, Messy Inc.”

KLCB elevated this issue because of the tone—not the trash. We exist to help residents advocate without retaliation. Our post was never about personal attacks—it was about protecting the right to speak up. -- Miss Peacock, KLCB Program DIrector

Let that sink in.

Even after the City responded to a clear request for help, the decision was made to double down on mockery instead of dialogue. That choice doesn’t just hurt the original resident. It sends a message to anyone trying to make their block better:

Don’t speak up, or you’ll be targeted too.

🧱 It’s Not Just a Sign. It’s a Pattern.

In neighborhoods like Lake Como, this isn’t rare.

A resident takes initiative.

A neighbor retaliates.

Suddenly, one act of advocacy becomes a full-blown turf war.

And the issue gets buried under personal grievances, text message threads, and anonymous online comments. Meanwhile, the real issues—litter, dumping, code violations, safety—go unaddressed.

That’s the cost of one-upmanship.

And we’ve seen it too many times.

💪🏾 But Here’s What We’ll Say…

KLCB is not here to pick sides.

We’re here to raise standards.

We believe every neighbor has the right to request a cleaner curb—without retaliation.

We believe city services should be accessible to everyone—not just those who shout the loudest.

And we believe that healing our blocks starts with accountability, not graffiti warfare.

🌱 The Bigger Picture

We want to thank those who’ve commented, challenged, and reached out in good faith. Disagreements can be productive. But here's what we ask from everyone moving forward:

👂 Listen before assuming.

📚 Read before reacting.

💭 Ask who is being hurt—and who is being heard.

Because while we may not be able to change every mind, we can change the tone. And in Lake Como, that tone matters—at the curb, online, and behind closed doors.

🧹 Want to Report a Sign, Graffiti, or Litter Issue?

📲 Use the MyFW App

📝 Already submitted but didn't get results? Join the The KLCB Resolve Project

🏡 Want to Help Change the Tone of Our Blocks?

Attend “Office Hours” every Thursday at 10 AM. 🔗 bit.ly/KLCBmeetings

Weigh in on the next KLCB Block Breakdown 

Lake Como deserves clean streets—and clean energy.

Let’s model what that looks like, even when others don’t.

– Miss Peacock 🦚Program Director, KLCB