News Release
For Release: Immediate
Contact: Frank Baraff 914-469-3775

Orange Public Works Department Launches Spring Clean Up

As part of Orange’s Spring Clean Up campaign, the Public Works Department has begun to clean up City owned lots.  Orange owns numerous lots obtained as a result of non-payment of taxes by private owners.  The Department is in the process of installing signs that identify the property as “City Owned” and state:
“No Dumping. Property under Surveillance. Up to $1,000 fine.” The lots will be fenced and cleaned regularly.  Illegal dumpers will be prosecuted. 

Also in conjunction with the Spring Clean Up, the Public Works Department has begun an aggressive “Clean Streets” program to crack down on illegally parked vehicles and increase the ticketing and towing of vehicles that are abandoned.  Illegally parked vehicles are responsible for many streets not being swept on a regular basis because they block the sweeper from traveling down the curb line.  The more aggressive approach will provide cleaner, better, maintained streets in Orange.

Orange’s parks will also receive special attention in the Spring Clean Up. Dead trees will be removed. New trees and shrubs will be planted. Graffiti will be removed. Fences and roof leaks will be repaired. Buildings will be painted inside and out, lighting replaced and numerous other repairs made. Orange will systematically take back the parks by coordinating with the police to lock the gates at night and enforce the Park’s “dusk to dawn” policy. 

Main Street is also a focus of the spring clean up.  The Public Works Department will be cleaning the tree grates of unsightly garbage and weeds and placing fresh mulch.  The department will also be power-washing the sidewalks to improve their appearance.

To assist the Public Works Department, the City is recruiting students and other volunteers to help in identifying illegally parked and abandoned vehicles, park areas in need of sprucing up, and graffiti. The volunteers will also be participating in the actual clean up.

Statement by Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr.
“In the past, Orange has held annual clean up campaigns. This year, we are focusing on community involvement and asking residents and businesses to join with us in sprucing up our city. The key is community pride and unity. The clean up will be much more successful if volunteers come forward to help us make and keep Orange cleaner and more beautiful.”

Statement by Arlene Kemp, Director of Public Works
 “Please help us by joining in the spring clean up.  It takes all of us, working together to keep Orange beautiful.  By working together, we can demonstrate our community pride.”

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