Pittsburgh City Council members proposed legislation calling for the establishment of a Clean Pittsburgh Commission this week. The Commission will serve as an overarching resource for conducting grassroots activities like clean-ups, community gardens, litter prevention and other beautification and education efforts.

By coordinating work Citywide and offering its expertise, the Commission will contribute to an overall increase in the quality of life in Pittsburgh.

“Throughout the City, various neighborhood groups and individuals want to stage cleanups, plant gardens, or report abandoned vehicles or overgrown lots,” said Mayor Tom Murphy. “The Commission can help coordinate assistance from City Departments and provide guidance in terms of best practices and model sharing.”

Councilman Doug Shields, who is introducing the bill, stated, “We have recommended such organizations as the Pennsylvania Resources Council and PA CleanWays of Allegheny County to be on this Commission for their qualifications and expertise in grassroots litter prevention and beautification efforts. Encouraging residents to utilize the services of these groups and other non-profits helps to alleviate the burden on City government.”

PRC recently started conducting collections for “hard to recycle” items to provide individuals in and around the City with a safe and responsible outlet for recycling and disposing of various items. To date PRC has collected over 15 tons of electronic equipment, 19 tons of latex paint, hundreds of appliances, and over 2,000 tires.

“The groups recommended to be on the Commission currently meet as the Pittsburgh Clean Neighborhood Collaborative,” said David Mazza, Regional Director for PRC. “Since the Collaborative began meeting regularly three years ago, we’ve been able to conceptualize a workable plan for the Commission. We recognize that there are a number of groups in the City currently working on beautification and quality of life projects. With the establishment of this Commission, there will be more of a coordinated effort to effect long-lasting, positive change. ”

PA CleanWays of Allegheny County, Inc. is an affiliate of PA CleanWays, Inc., a state organization whose mission is to empower people to eliminate illegal dumping and littering in Pennsylvania.

Since inception of the county PA CleanWays Chapter in 2000, the group has conducted over 50 clean-ups of illegal dumpsites in Allegheny County, properly disposing of more than 2,000 tires and 168.5 tons of garbage.

“Our intention for the Commission would be to not recreate the wheel,” stated Danielle Crumrine, Executive Director for PA CleanWays in Allegheny County. “In fact, the Commission will focus on connecting people to organizations that provide the services individuals need to address neighborhood blight problems.”

NewsClip: Commission Sets Sights on Curbing City Litter

8/19/2005