“Spazzare” means “to sweep” in Italian. In the North End, it is also the name of a new concept to clean up trash on the streets. “Spazzare!, Brooms of the North End” is being proposed by David Grant, the new Chair of the Clean Streets Committee, part of the North End / Waterfront Residents’ Association (NEWRA).
The offbeat plan of mounting high-profile brooms on street trash barrels is geared to bring attention to the problem, and maybe … just maybe, a few folks will pick up a broom and start sweeping. Initially, the plan is targeted for Hanover St. by mounting brooms and pans on the big belly trash barrels.
David shared his creative presentation that he narrated during this week’s NEWRA meeting. The slides graphically describe the trash problem, its elements and considerations. He recognizes the work previously done by the Clean Streets Committee through tip sheets, business recognition and various initiatives to clean up the streets and control the rodent population. He proposes the “modest beginnings” of a solution through Spazzare!, the brooms of the North End and addresses issues such as costs, logistics and City Hall coordination. Being realistic, he also considers the downside which he sees as minimal.
“So what if the brooms get stolen or nobody sweeps? If people think it’s just stupid, we take down the brooms and try something else,” said David. In order to raise awareness, the committee will look at social networking, media attention and photo opps with politicians and key community members sweeping the streets. Spazzare! already has its own Facebook page.
“This is the beginning of the next chapter of the Clean Streets Committee,” said NEWRA President Stephanie Hogue. David and Stephanie encourage all those interested in participating to attend the first planning meeting for “Spazzare!” at this week’s Clean Streets Committee on Tuesday, March 15, 7:00 p.m. at the Nazzaro Center, 30 N. Bennet Street.
