What can I do about the city refusing to maintain my street?

We just bought our home. Prior to our purchasing it, no one has lived there since before the hurricane hit the town a year ago. Still remaining in the street out front are debris, grass, bushes, etc. I called the city about cleaning it up. One of the city officials said he drove by our home and claims that part of the street is private property (ours) and they can't do anything about it. However the survey is current and in my hands. According to the paperwork and line markers, this part of the street is not private property but infact the resposibilty of the city to maintain. I think because there is enough right of way for ONE vehicle at a time, the city doesn't WANT to have to clean it up. Over the year it was able to continue to grow up, it has become a big job for simple hand and yard tools. The city has equipment that would make this a simple task but they won't do it. What can I do to make the city fulfill their service to us as new city taxpayers?

What can I do about the city refusing to maintain my street?
First thing is to make sure you are getting the service you deserve. Make a few calls, (get names!) and offer to send faxes of the documentation. Then, after a month of no action, find the information for the city property tax appraiser. Tell him/her you want a re-appraisal based on the failure of the city/county to clean the property. If you get no action in 30 days, hire a professional property appraiser, then send the lowered property valuation to him/her. You can use the lower tax to do the clean up, or you can watch Mr. Tax-Man do his little jig and dance. They may not promise to do it with a certain period of time. Tell him you either want the property taxed at the new, lower, assement amount, or cleaned. You may have to hire a shyster. My folks did after Charlie, and came out even. But put the bug in their ear. They are there BECAUSE you pay taxes. Always call the lowest man in the totem pole. (I.e., the county tax person.) He/She don't want to lose a nice, cushy job. And they, in some places, have pull to increase a property value.
Reply:Well you could keep calling them until they get sick or hearing from you. Or, you might have to hire someone to come out and clean it up for you.