Orange Launches City-Wide Adopt-A-Block and Community Beautification Program

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“Orange has designated May as Community Beautification Month. This year’s clean up will be built around community involvement. The City’s departments will be working with neighborhood groups, churches, and businesses to adopt-a-block and beautify our community one block at a time. The Adopt-A-Block program empowers neighbors to bring beautification and neighborhood revitalization down to the smallest unit, the block. Neighbors keep their block clean of litter on an on-going basis, and the City provides them with tools and resources to help in their efforts. We are enlisting residents and their children, merchants, businesses, and property owners to work alongside city employees to clean up and beautify Orange’s neighborhoods and business districts.

This has been a difficult winter and extra debris is lying around that was under the snow.  I urge all property owners to make a special effort this month to clean up their yards and sidewalks. We are seeking volunteers of all ages to show their community spirit and pride. It is an opportunity to meet and mingle with neighbors as well as making a difference in our community. To volunteer or become an adopt-a-block coordinator, please call my office at (973) 266-4005.”

Code Enforcement:
As part of the clean up campaign, Orange Code Enforcement Officers are conducting their annual visual inspection of the exterior of every property in the city.  Property owners are reminded that they are responsible for front yard, curb and sidewalk maintenance. The exterior of each property should be kept clean, neat, and free of all unsanitary conditions. Graffiti must be removed. Sidewalks in front of houses must be kept clear of debris. Trash cans should be taken out and emptied on the appropriate days. Commercial and inoperable vehicles should not be left on residential properties. 

Citizens are asked to report unsightly conditions in their neighborhoods by calling 973-266-4098 so that a code enforcement officer can help get the conditions cleaned up.

Clean Up Events:

• County Hazardous Waste Collection Day, May 7, 2011, 8:30am-4:00pm: Leave hazardous waste at County Garage, 99 West Bradford Ave., Cedar Grove.

• Orange Clean-Up and Community Beautification Day on Freeman Street (Between Scotland and Tompkins Street), May 7, 2011, Noon-4:00pm

 

• Free Paper Shredding, May 14, 2011 10:00am-2:00pm at Brook Alley Parking Lot on Main Street near S. Center

• Community Gardens events at the Orange Public Library sponsored by St. Matthews AME May 14, 2011 from 12-2pm
• Computer and Electronic Recycle Collection Week, May 16, 2011 - May 21, 2011, 7:00am-2:00pm. Leave old computers, electronics, and small appliances at Brook Alley Parking Lot.

 

Other Clean Up Month activities to be announced.