DOWNTOWN : Cleanup Programs Getting Under Way
Work crews and courtesy guides hired by a group of property owners have hit the streets of the garment and flower districts for a three-month neighborhood cleanup program.
The “Clean and Safe” pilot program, which started Aug. 8, employs homeless people to pick up litter, paint over graffiti, steam-clean sidewalks, report unlawful behavior to authorities and assist lost visitors in a 10-block area bounded by 7th, 12th, San Julian and Main streets. The cleanup program is sponsored by the Downtown Property Owners Assn., Chrysalis homeless assistance agency and two city agencies.
By cleaning up the area and providing a “visible presence,” area property owners hope to improve the area’s image, promote safer streets and prevent the flight of businesses from the area.
The property owners association will provide $113,000 for the project, with $65,000 going for maintenance and courtesy personnel, $35,000 for bicycle patrol officers and the rest for administrative costs. The City Council has promised $50,000 toward the effort, and the city Community Redevelopment Agency has allocated $25,000.
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