HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-20-2006 Near Northwest Neighborhood Kicks Off Adopt-A-Block F.
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Office of the Mayor
NEWS RELEASE
Thursday,April 20, 2006
Contact: Mikki Dobski, Director of Communications& Special Projects,235-5855
Catherine Toppel, Director of Code Enforcement, 235-9486
Rebekah Go, Community Organizer, Near Northwest Neighborhood, 232-9182
Near Northwest Neighborhood Kicks Off Adont-A-Block
In celebration of Earth Day, and as part the of the City of South Bend's Clean
City Initiative, the Near Northwest Neighborhood Inc. (NNN)will kick off its Adopt-a-
Block program on Saturday, April 22, 2006 at 8:00 a.m. at the NNN Center, at 1007
Portage Avenue. Adopt-A-Block organizers are expecting over 100 volunteers to help
clean litter and debris from over 35 blocks in the neighborhood! In addition,Notre Dame
Students for Environmental Action (SEA) has again made a generous donation of trees
that they will help residents plant in the neighborhood. Members of the So. Bend Police
Department's Neighborhood Enforcement Services Team (NEST)will provide walking
and car patrols during the kick-off to support work zone safety.
This marks the fourth year of the NNN's involvement in the Adopt-A-Block
program. "The NNN has been a cornerstone in the success of the Adopt-A-Block
program," stated Catherine Toppel, Director of Code Enforcement. "Other
neighborhoods are beginning programs because of the impact they have seen in this part
of the city." The Westside Neighborhood began its own program last year and will kick
off its 2nd Annual Adopt-A-Block on Saturday,May 20. Residents of the LaSalle area,
La Casa de Amistad, and Rum Village have also started programs in their areas.
The City of South Bend created Adopt-A-Block because `eve believe that a Clean
City is key to the success of our community and to providing the quality of life that our
residents demand. No one wants to see trash and litter in our neighborhoods or on our
streets. Together,we can partner to not only keep our city clean but to renew our pride in
our hometown," stated Mayor Luecke.
How It Works—
The City provides the materials, equipment, and staff support, while residents
commit to cleaning designated blocks in their neighborhood 6 times in a 9 month period.
The City of South Bend's Bureau of Solid Waste and Code Enforcement also provides
trash bags, rakes, safety equipment, educational literature, and trash removal for Adopt-a-
Block participants.
City and community organizers are encouraged not only by the aesthetic
improvement in neighborhoods, but by the increased sense of pride and ownership of
residents. Rebekah Go,NNN Community Organizer, noted that "neighbors have found
that the Adopt-A-Block program is a great way to meet other neighbors and keep our
streets looking clean. Our residents have begun to feel empowered and optimistic about
their own ability to clean up their community."
For information on how residents can help to renew pride in their neighborhoods
and help make South Bend a Clean City by starting Adopt-A-Block in their
neighborhood, please contact the Dept. of Code Enforcement at 235-9486.
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