RED BANK – Expect the streets of the west side to look a little cleaner this November now that residents have planned a neighborhood cleanup.
The borough’s Department of Public Works (DPW) will supply residents with bags and gloves for adults and children to clear litter and other objects out of the public right of way and onto the curb, Westside Community Group President Amy Goldsmith said at the group’s meeting Sept. 14.
The idea was introduced by a resident during the group’s July 11 meeting.
Goldsmith said the event, which was a success when it was held for the first time about seven years ago, would take place from 9 a.m. to noon Nov. 10. She said a sign-up station would be set up that day from 9 to 9:30 a.m. at the pocket park at Shrewsbury Avenue and Drs. James Parker Boulevard.
“We know for sure we will do the main thoroughfares,” said Goldsmith. “We will do as much as we have people to do it.”
The main streets would include Bridge, Shrewsbury and Leighton avenues, and Goldsmith added that the group would clean as many cross streets as possible.
DPW officials have also agreed to send trucks for the Saturday event to remove the objects collected and litter left at the curb during the cleanup.
“For the people who were doing it, it was a great event,” said Goldsmith of the previous cleanup event.
She said the group will be using its phone list consisting of more than 100 names to get the word out about the cleanup and will reach out to Shrewsbury Avenue businesses for refreshments.
Preceding the meeting at 7 p.m., Police Chief Mark Fitzgerald spoke during the crime-watch portion and said investigations into the four separate incidents of gunshots being fired on the west side are ongoing.
“One of the things we are running into is lack of cooperation of potential witnesses,” said Fitzgerald.
Also at the crime-watch portion with Fitzgerald were a few bike patrol officers, who were in attendance to give out bike helmets that had been received as part of a police department grant.
– Melissa Karsh