Mayor Brandon Scott on Tuesday announced a collaborative citywide project focused on cleaning up public spaces and neighborhoods over the next four months.
Named the “Charm City Cleanup Initiative,” the inaugural project is a coordinated effort between city agencies and Baltimoreans. The goal, according to Scott, is to clean every neighborhood in the city through community events and 3-1-1 service requests.
“Charm City Cleanup is an opportunity for all Baltimoreans to roll up their sleeves and show love to their neighborhoods,” Scott said. “Baltimore has the best Public Works, Rec and Parks, Transportation and Clean Corps workers in the nation, but keeping our city beautiful can’t just be up to them.”
The initiative splits the city into 17 clusters, starting in Coldstream-Homestead-Montebello and Clifton Park on Tuesday and continuing throughout the rest of the week in the cluster of other northeast Baltimore neighborhoods, including Belair-Edison, Herring Run Park, Mayfield, Four By Four, South Clifton Park, Darley Park and East Baltimore Midway.
The four month program will visit a different neighborhood cluster each week, until its conclusion in West Baltimore around Hollins Market on Oct. 31. You can find your cluster and cleanup dates here.
The coordinated effort includes assistance from the Department of Public Works, Recreation & Parks, Clean Corps and the Department of Transportation. The city agencies will work to clean and repair drains, potholes, alleys, graffiti, tree debris and more.
“DPW is committed to doing our part – clearing streets and alleys, cleaning storm drains, removing graffiti, and addressing illegal dumping,” said Acting Director of the Department of Public Works Matthew Garbark. “This initiative is about more than just cleaning up. It’s about working together with residents to take care of our neighborhoods and build a stronger sense of community across the city.”
DPW recently announced it will start trash collection an hour earlier until Sept. 30 due to extreme heat.
For the citywide cleanup program, the city agencies will use 3-1-1 service requests to inform their cleanup efforts each week. The non-emergency phone number and mobile phone app is a platform for residents to speak with city services, programs and information. The initiative encourages residents to report service requests before their scheduled cleanup days.
Scott said he will participate in the cleanup project. He joined residents across the city in the city’s annual spring cleanup earlier this year
“Charm City Cleanup is more than a one-day event, it’s a reflection of our commitment to the everyday work that keeps Baltimore safe, functional and full of pride,” said Veronica McBeth, director of the Baltimore City Department of Transportation. “Whether it’s clearing storm drains or filling potholes, these efforts improve quality of life and help our neighborhoods and residents thrive.”
For more information on the Charm City Cleanup Initiative and a dashboard tracking the work completed, click here.
