Solomon seeks to expand street-cleaning program
Solomon called the street-cleaning program on commercial corridors established last year a success.
State Rep. Jared Solomon last week joined local business owners to highlight support for his ongoing street-cleaning program on the commercial corridors of Bustleton, Castor and Rising Sun avenues in the 202nd Legislative District.
“Business corridors set the whole tone for a community,” Solomon said during a Sept. 27 news conference at Castor and Magee avenues.
Last fall, Solomon created a street-cleaning program in which his office, Steve’s Prince of Steaks and the city Department of Streets provided resources to Jidan Cleaning, the business that leads clean-up efforts.
“It’s working,” Solomon said. “We are taking ownership of this beautiful corridor.”
Business leaders on hand were Antowine D. Harris, of Murano Deli; Dr. Louis A. Brown, a dermatologist; Orlando Jacome, of Tio Pepe; and Sal and Angela Nunez, of Buccann, a restaurant with outdoor seating.
Pat Claybrook, of Jidan Cleaning, and Andrea Hodge, of Oxford Circle Christian Community Development Association, also gave remarks.
Claybrook, who was joined by cleanup crew member Malik Harris, said there is a direct correlation between a clean business corridor and increased business.
Cleanups take place once a week, though Solomon would like to increase the number of cleaning days and expand the territory covered. He’d also like to see residents clean up their blocks, adding that lighting and streetscape improvements complement clean business corridors.
Others supporting the effort include Amabilis Silva, of Picanha Brazilian Grill; Moni and Shoron Khan, of Al-Sham; Lambros Karazournias, of New Olympia House Restaurant; and developer Tommy Liu, board chairman of the Northeast Philadelphia Chinese Association.
Brown, the dermatologist, cleans up himself.
“A lot of the other business owners on the 6300 block of Rising Sun Avenue are picking up a broom,” he said.
Jacome, who owns the Portuguese restaurant Tio Pepe, said he will not be discouraged when trash returns to Castor Avenue after a cleanup.
“We’re doing our little part and encourage other people to do it,” he said. ••
