Volunteers who arrive at City Hall for Saturday morning’s annual “Team Up to Cleanup” spring event may rest assured that their efforts will be matched by others.
The first multiplier effect is when a group attacks a project such as an abandoned property with debris and litter all over the place, each worker can fill a trash bag, look around and see other sacks being packed and stacked at curbside.
Beyond that, the City Council has added a summerlong match of $800,000 in federal funds from ARPA, the American Rescue Plan Act, for more equipment and employees to do a better job at keeping up with more than 2,000 abandoned lots, mostly all tax-foreclosed for failure to pay.
Mayor Brenda Moore led the way in recruiting more than 100 volunteers for the past two cleanups, in cooperation with the city’s Riverfront Development Committee, and she expects to set a record this year if community and neighborhood groups follow through on advance work pledges. She was scrambling late this week to round up enough donors to provide beverages, along with grab-and-go breakfasts and lunches.
Anyone may take part. If you are not part of a work group, organizers will find one for you.
Groups may pick their own projects, or city staff will suggest a location in need.
Trash bags and work gloves are provided. If people can bring a work tool — anything from a rake to a chain saw — these would be helpful.
Saturday’s cleanup arrival time is 8 a.m. on the City Hall front lawn. The side parking lot across Holland Avenue will open at the same time for residents to drop off non-curbside pickup items on the regular second Saturday schedule.
Mayor Moore says she has learned that one spring cleanup is not enough. She aims to schedule another in the fall, and to begin earlier next spring.
In the meantime, in addition to enlisting in Team Up to Clean Up, she suggests:
- Residents may take part in the Saginaw Beautification Awards, now through Aug. 10. Honor a neighbor for keeping up with lawn care and landscaping, or nominate oneself. Monthly winners receive recognition certificates and grab bags with donated items for property upkeep and improvements, and a single grand champion also will receive a tribute. Call (989) 399-1311, and select extension 3, or visit saginaw-mi.com/scenic/index.php.
- Obtain a tax-foreclosed vacant lot adjacent to your home from the Saginaw County Land Bank Authority for as little as $150. Create added lawn space, erect a garage, plant a garden and/or set up some play equipment for the kids. Phone (989) 792-6028 or see saginawcounty.com/departments/treasurer/land-bank.
- Refrain from tossing trash, ranging from fast-food containers to beer cans and booze bottles, out from car windows. Encourage family and friends to do the same.
