Some residents in the Bensonhurst section of Brooklyn have struggled with illegal dumping on their street for years, but thanks to NY1 For You the area got a makeover back in 2012. Now, residents are faced with another pressing problem. NY1's Susan Jhun filed this follow-up report.

When we first met with residents living along this stretch of 64th Street in Bensonhurst back in 2011, the street was littered with trash both household and commercial.

"There was continuous dumping, trash on the sidewalks, taking down, degrading the neighborhood. Since you've been here, we've seen a lot of clean-up," says resident John Bartolomeo.

At the time, we contacted The Department of Sanitation and the MTA which owns two vacant lots along the street.

In response to our calls, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority posted "No Dumping" signs, and the Sanitation Department cleaned the entire area and stepped up enforcement.

"Finally, after Channel 1 come, we see a little clean," says resident Vittorio Asprea.

That was back in 2012. Today, residents say Sanitation has kept up the good work. 

"The Department of Sanitation has come through on a regular basis, picked up the curbside dumping that we had, the illegal dumping, and has also has kept the sidewalks clean," says Bartolomeo.

Unfortunately, residents say dumpers have now taken to trashing the vacant lots owned by the MTA.

As you can see the property is posted but it does nothing to deter the dumping and since the site isn't sealed anybody can get inside.

"It's not secured. It's supposed to be 'no trespassing.' Thus the door's open, the gates open for people to start using that for their own purposes," Bartolomeo says.

We contacted the MTA and the agency took immediate action.

"We sent crews out there to assess the situation – they’re out there right now cleaning it up. Once the lot is acceptably clean, we’re going to make sure it’s secure. We’re going to put a new lock on it. We’re going to do everything we can to make sure the lot stays in a good condition for the neighbors," says spokeman Adam Lisberg.

It's a relief to neighbors who can't wait for a new view.

"We thank you very, very much. We appreciate what you did," Asprea says.