Manville’s parks are getting a face-lift
courtesy of the Somerset County sheriff’s office
By:Alec Moore
Over the past several weeks cleanup projects have been conducted by county inmates in all of the borough’s parks, clearing them of litter, garbage and other unsightly debris, previously scattered throughout.
"We’re getting everything in town cleaned up and with everyone’s help we’re going to make Manville the best place to live in Somerset County," said Councilman Wierzba, who urged all residents in town to take pride in their community by not littering. "Every time someone litters in Manville, it costs this town money," said Councilman Martin Wierzba who said he is grateful to the sheriff’s office for providing a service that would otherwise cost the borough $3,000 to $5,000 if the work were being done by Department of Public Works employees.
Mr. Wierzba says the credit for the boroughwide cleanup effort goes to Public Works Supervisor Philip Petrone, whom Mr. Wierzba said has been the driving force behind the initiative.
"Our concentration has been in Memorial Park, Lincoln Avenue Park, Papawick Park and Royce Brook Park," said Mr. Petrone, who noted that the availability of the inmates is dependent upon the sheriff’s office.
In addition to cleaning up the parks, the inmate crews have cleaned up areas alongside the CSX rail line tracks. The crews also cleaned up an area on Persinko Street that some in the area seem to be using as their own personal waste depot for unwanted junk and scrap.
"That area is not the borough’s dump and if anyone sees anyone dumping there, they should call the police," said Mr. Wierzba, who encourages residents to point out public areas in town that they feel are in need of a cleanup.