The goal of the six-month program is not only to keep Lower Northeast streets clean, but also safe.
State Rep. Jared Solomon (D-202nd dist.) last week held a news conference to announce a six-month street cleaning pilot program in the Lower Northeast.
“This is our home and we should take pride in where we live,” Solomon said. “It’s our responsibility to take care and maintain it in order to attract more people, which, in turn, would continue growing our great community.”
Speaking outside Steve’s Prince of Steaks, at Bustleton Avenue and St. Vincent Street, Solomon stressed his plan goes beyond just picking up trash, that it’s a step in keeping the community safe.
“Garbage-littered streets and alleyways can attract criminals, but maintaining our appearance can help deter them from striking,” he said.
The pilot program is associated with House Bills 1812 and 1813, both co-sponsored by Solomon. The legislation would address chronic nuisance issues that cause problems for downtowns and neighborhoods throughout Pennsylvania, increasing penalties and fines, and remitting a portion of the additional fines back to the municipalities for litter remediation efforts.
Solomon was joined by Carlton Williams, commissioner of the city Department of Streets, and Steve Iliescu, founder of Steve’s Prince of Steaks.
The pilot program will target core areas of the following business corridors:
• Castor Avenue, between Knorr and Levick Street;
• Bustleton Avenue, between St. Vincent Street and Unruh Avenue; and
• Rising Sun Avenue, between Comly and Levick streets, Tyson Avenue and Five Points.
“After the six-month pilot, my hope is we will expand to cover the full length of each corridor,” Solomon said. ••
