PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia officials are pledging to clean every street in the city over the next 13 weeks.
Beginning Monday, crews of more than 130 sanitation workers will go block by block with equipment from weed whackers to compactors picking up litter and sweeping, while the Licenses and Inspections Department cleans and seals vacant property, the Parking Authority tows abandoned cars, Community Life Improvement workers paint over graffiti, the Water Department removes debris from storm inlets, and the Streets Department fills potholes.
“We’re coming together. We’re forming a united front of city agencies, businesses and the communities to ensure a citywide effort against urban decay,” said former Streets Commissioner and current Clean and Green cabinet leader Carlton Williams.
Officials are describing it as the largest quality of life undertaking in the city’s history.
Williams says the most disadvantaged communities are the top priorities. The effort will start in Frankford and finish in the Northeast.
Crews will do the work the day after trash day in each neighborhood and Williams hopes residents will get involved to keep the city clean when the project is done on Aug. 26.
Residents will be able to track progress on https://cleanandgreenphilly.org/.