Cleanup called a good first step

CHILLICOTHE – A good first step is what Downtown Development Commission member Tom White called Saturday’s inaugural Second Street Cleanup that attracted about a dozen volunteers.

Initially intended simply as an effort to pick up trash along Second Street, particularly along the block containing the Majestic Theater, the event quickly broadened its scope as the actual trash cleanup did not take long.

“(Joe Sharp) brought brooms and shovels and we said let’s start cleaning up at least the corners in key areas, sweeping and cleaning both the street and the sidewalks and the whole area,” White said. “It really gave us the opportunity to see more of what’s needed.”

Second Street has captured the attention of several downtown development officials who see the area around the Majestic as a focal point for a future downtown entertainment district, especially with the restoration of the Carlisle Building wrapping up later this year and becoming a home for dozens of young Adena Regional Medical Center staff members and students.

During Saturday’s cleanup, the volunteers went from picking up trash off the sidewalks to clearing “cigarette butts galore” out of grates around the base of trees, picking weeds and sweeping dirt and debris from the sidewalks and curbs. While periodic larger scale cleanups are needed, White said a system needs to be created to tidy up on a daily basis.

“We have to pull this thing into perspective,” White said. “What can we do and how can we get an ongoing, sustainable model going?”

With the city facing limited resources, White said more collaborative efforts are needed involving the city, county, volunteers from various organizations and downtown business and property owners.

White said he will be approaching city Safety-Service Director Mike Green to learn more about how the city’s street cleaning program operates presently to see if there’s something volunteers can do that will help better prepare streets that are slated to be cleaned.

In a separate cleanup that took place Saturday, the Denver Community Crime Watch organization partnered with Ross County Litter Control for a day-long effort that started at Bethesda Church. After an initial gathering at the church, those taking part fanned out over three different areas in the southern part of the county where trash dumping has been a problem.