Clean Streets Committee Chair displays a stenciled “Paul Revere with a Broom” dustpan for Spazzare.The NEWRA Clean Streets Committee is busy getting ready for the Saturday, April 30th rollout of its new “Spazzare” (“to sweep”) program. The launch is scheduled with this year’s annual Boston Shines clean-up. Chair David Grant reviewed the plans at this week’s monthly meeting, where he also introduced a new “one-hour” meeting maximum (appreciated by the volunteer attendees).
Behind the scenes, a lot of work has already gone into the Spazare rollout. David has been working with the North Street Bennet Street, NEMPAC and the Eliot School. Through this joint effort, children from Eliot, 6-8 graders, decorated the brooms and NBSS burned the name “Spazzare” on the handles.
NEMPAC donated 7 brooms and the Public Works department contributed 12 for a total of 19 brooms to start the program. An anonymous donor contributed 16 dustpans that David has stenciled with Spazzare, NEWRA and Paul Revere symbols.
Attaching the brooms to the big belly compactors on Hanover St. remains a challenge. However, all the compactors are due to be replaced in the next few months with “next generation” models. The Committee is also designing posters to mount on the sides of the trash barrels and for neighborhood windows.
Spazzare kicks off at 8:45 a.m. on the Prado (Paul Revere Mall) on Saturday, April 30, 2011. All are welcome to participate. Councilor Sal LaMattina has promised coffee and donuts. Boston Shines also starts at 9 a.m. where residents can pick up brooms to clean any part of the North End / Waterfront area. The Committee encourages residents to sign-up for Boston Shines so that more clean-up equipment will be allocated to the North End. Register for Boston Shines at this link.
Other Clean Streets Committee Issues
While most of the meeting was dedicated to the upcoming Spazzare rollout, brief updates were given on other Clean Streets issues.
Residents complained about people placing trash out after the pickup, resulting in trash staying on the street for another two days. These incidents can be reported to the hotline at 617-635-4500.
David Grant reported a major rat infestation at the Aquarium T station where literally hundreds of rodents can be seen. The MBTA will be notified.
Trash piles for large multi-unit buildings were questioned by residents. These “trash mountains” appear on the corners of Lewis and Commercial St. and at Commercial Wharf East and Atlantic Ave.
Lucca Restaurant Wins Good Neighbor Recognition Award
The Good Neighbor Recognition Award has been resurrected by the committee. This month’s nominees were Lucca, Dolce Vita and Cafe Vittoria. Through a hand vote, Lucca Restaurant, won the award for keeping its sidewalk and gutters clean. An award photo will be arranged with the owner. Other nominees will continue to be eligible for future awards.
More information on Spazzare can be found at their Facebook page. Contact the Clean Streets Committee at cleanstreets@newra.org.
