Detroit Free Press Article Sunday May 7, 2006

Spring cleaning starts in areas around Detroit
Litter, dumping sites get attention

BY CHASTITY PRATT
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

May 7, 2006
Motor City Makeover

Enrico Carter and Rodney Curry pulled trash from a pile behind Liberty Liquor store on Detroit's east side that included mattresses, burned wood and had a barnyard stench.

After nearly an hour, the Detroit men had shoveled a path through the alley. "It might take two-and-a-half or three more hours to clean," Carter, 35, said.

The annual Motor City Makeover litter-removal effort kicked off Saturday on Detroit's southwest and near-east side while the Great American Cleanup swept through the east side to the south side.

For the first time, the city was divided into sections to be cleaned during the first three weekends in May. Last year, more than 60,000 volunteers participated, officials said.

More than 800 volunteers joined Carter and Curry as they took part in the Great American Cleanup, an annual, one-day national effort by an organization called Keep America Beautiful and organized locally by Keep It Moving Inc.

They mowed grass and piled trash into a bin. Some focused their efforts on cleaning up illegal dump sites. Carter and Curry especially wanted to clear the trash behind the store, whose owner donated supplies.

"We want people to take ownership," over their little area, said Sondra Yates of Columbus, Ohio, a representative for Keep America Beautiful.

Leslie Holsey, who works at Barbour Magnet Middle School and coordinates programs for students, said 115 students and volunteers with Keep It Moving picked up litter and planted flowers at the school. "The kids who helped do all of that, they're not going to let it get messed up," she said.

The cleanup is to continue May 13 for much of the east side and May 20 for the west side.

Individuals and groups can register to help by calling 313-224-4415 or by visiting www.ci.detroit.mi.us.

Individuals and community groups are required to register with the City of Detroit to get information on where to drop off bagged litter. There will be no curbside pickups.

Contact CHASTITY PRATT at 313-223-4537.

Copyright © 2006 Detroit Free Press Inc.