Beautification

Goal

Clean and beautify streets, alleys and business corridors so that they are aesthetically pleasing.

Indicators of Success and Baseline

• Decrease waste removal by 50% after three years from 54 tons to 27 tons annually
• Increase number of “Block Coordinators” for clean up and beautification by 25% each year from 43 to 90 across all five neighborhoods in four years
• The public space of the four east/west business corridors (West Washington, Michigan, 10th and 16th Streets) will be physically improved by new shrub and tree plantings
• According to resident surveys, 25% believe their neighborhood is cleaner and more attractive

Story Behind the Numbers

Improving the appearance of a community requires a comprehensive two-pronged approach. One is cleaning debris, weeds and trash on both public and private properties and then maintaining clean properties. Secondly, and at the same time, the community wants to create aesthetically pleasing public and private places as well as open green spaces. These conditions improve the overall quality of life within a community. The community’s visual appeal is determined by its landscaping and public art; by its green spaces, home and store fronts; by the type of signage that is posted, as well as the conditions of its sidewalks, curbs and street lighting. A clean, aesthetically pleasing appearance is one of the best marketing tools to attract new homeowners and businesses, and to ensure the community’s continued vitality. driven has been established to address serious crime in each of the five neighborhoods through education and prevention strategies. The Near Westside is involved in a developmental process to engage all five neighborhoods and many more residents in deterring criminal activities.