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A city-wide litter cleanup is being scheduled for Earth Day week April 22, city officials said.
City Council's economic revitalization committee Tuesday heard about the plan proposed to be named after the late Richard James, a member of Heart of Williamsport, whose idea was to see the organization spearhead a litter clean up to improve the environment, beautify the city and engage citizens.
Several partners are planning the activity, including Cleanscapes, a Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful affiliate; Newberry Community Partnership, Heart of Williamsport, Susquehanna Greenway Partnership and the city and Lycoming County, according to Alice Trowbridge, of the Heart of Williamsport and Susquehanna Greenway Partnership.
The goal is to sweep through public property, such as the Susquehanna Riverwalk, on both sides of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, and other locations across the city.
The volunteers will collect the trash using gloves, wearing orange vests to alert motorists and avoid picking up potentially hazardous materials, such as needles or broken glass.
Plans are going forth to ensure people are given bags, safety gloves and vests to stand out and be a part of the organized effort, said Elisabeth Lynch McCoy, a spokeswoman for Cleanscapes.
While the volunteer crews won't be picking up trash on private properties, private property owners are going to be encouraged to do their part.
Special attention may be paid to key "gateway" entrances to the city, where much of the traffic enters and leaves it.
If the citywide cleanup takes off, and this will be the second year following the death of James who thought of the concept, several more litter cleanups may be tried throughout the year, as Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day often cause a lot of litter to be seen, officials said.
Heart of Williamsport has many ideas and action plans it wants to initiate this year, said Mary Woods, an organization coordinator.
The cleanup and other action plans will be included as a presentation for City Council on March 28.