Adopt-a-Block

With over 30 blocks adopted, the NNN Adopt-a-Block kickoff was a resounding success for the third straight year. Despite cold and rainy weather and an early start to the day, nearly 100 volunteers showed up at the NNN offices, ready and willing to clean-up their blocks and contribute to the beautification of the Near Northwest Neighborhood.

1 st District Councilman, Derek Dieter, added a new aspect to this year’s adopt-a-block, choosing to “adopt” the railroad tracks that run under the Portage Avenue Bridge and border Holy Cross School’s blacktop. With numerous families from Holy Cross, crews were able to clear out several dumpsters full of litter and debris.

The cumulative effect of three years of the adopt-a-block program is visible throughout the neighborhood. Residents report that there is less litter and debris on their streets AND that even neighbors who cannot come out for the physical clean-up often help out by picking up their own lots before the scheduled days. These efforts really help keep the neighborhood looking clean and inviting – a place where anyone would want to live and stay.

Of course, as neighbors proceed to clean-up, the NNN is grateful for the efforts of our councilman, as well as the partnerships with South Bend’s Code Enforcement and the South Bend Police Department who contributed rakes, bags, gloves, and people-power to the kickoff and who are supportive of many of the NNN’s programs. The message is clear: keep up the good work everyone! Your efforts are noticed!!!