New Citywide Sweeping Program Will Get Rid Of Trash In Baltimore Streets
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- It takes the phrase "spring cleaning" to another level. A new initiative in Baltimore will create a greener, healthier city by getting rid of all that trash piling up on our streets.
Linh Bui has details on the program.
It's all about coming together. The city is working with residents to keep Baltimore neighborhoods clean.
Walk around Baltimore City and what do you see? Trash, trash and more trash.
"Should be cleaned up. All this garbage," Thurman McDougal said.
Piles of garbage cover the ground.
"Daily, my neighbors and I pick up bus passes, potato chip bags, Styrofoam containers," Karenthia Barber said.
Now there's a sweeping solution. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced a new citywide street sweeping program, beginning April 2.
"How many people are tired of seeing the trash accumulating in our gutters and in our alleys? Anybody tired of it? I am," the mayor said.
Currently, the Department of Public Works mechanically sweeps 30 percent of Baltimore streets, mostly downtown, in the central district and along commuter routes.
But next week, the city service will expand to sweep 90 percent of city streets--the first time it's being provided in residential neighborhoods.
"Clean streets make more liveable communities in every neighborhood," Mayor Rawlings-Blake said.
And clean streets mean clean waterways, keeping dangerous chemicals out of storm drains, harbors and streams.
"This is an initiative that has positive, widespread ramifications for our community. And it will make Baltimore the city we know we can be," Barber said.
But residents must do their part--throw away trash and move your cars on sweeping days.
"The success of this program relies on residents to work with us," said Robert Chow, the director of the Department of Public Works.
Working together to build a better, cleaner future.
By now, most city residents should have gotten a postcard in the mail, letting them know when their street will be cleaned.
Call 311 to check the street sweeping schedule, or click here.
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