ORANGE : City to Launch Cleanup Program

A citywide neighborhood cleanup program scheduled to begin next month will declare war on trash, graffiti, vandalism, gangs and crime, and will help restore community pride, city officials said.

Mayor Gene Beyer said the program’s catchy slogan summarizes its goals: “Put the neighbor back into neighborhood--take out the hood.�

The first test of the program is scheduled for Dec. 14 on Holly Street near Maple Avenue. Beginning in January, the program will target one neighborhood each month.

“This is an ideal way for residents to become involved in shaping the future of their community,� Beyer said in a statement announcing the program. “By recognizing problems before they get serious we can together improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods and our city.�

The program will encourage residents to work together as well as with city officials to stop deterioration in their communities.

“The goal is to give people pride in their community and to encourage them to look out for each other,� Beyer said. “By embellishing the reputation of the neighborhoods, they feel better about themselves.�

In each targeted neighborhood, residents will first be notified by city officials. The city will then provide dumpsters for people to discard bulky items on their property.

Residents will also be asked to contact police when they see graffiti, gang activity or gang gatherings. And the program will encourage people to report overcrowding, homelessness and unsanitary or inadequate living conditions in their neighborhood.

“Any program designed to stop gangs and declining property values cannot be successful without the help of our citizens,� states a flyer that will be sent to residents. “ . . . By becoming involved you become the extended eyes and ears of our enforcement efforts and together we will win this battle.�