It’s cleanup time again!

Now that the warm weather is here, Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) and City Councilmember Susan Zhuang(D-Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) are ready to take to the streets with a team of volunteers dedicated to beautifying the community’s streets and parks.

The first cleanup is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 7, beginning at 11 a.m. Volunteers will meet up at 29 Bay 25^th Street and fan out from there.

The cleanups, which take place monthly during the warm weather, are targeted at areas which see a great deal of pedestrian traffic and are in need of some TLC. The volunteers, armed with brooms, shovels and trash bags, concentrate on major thoroughfares such as 86^th Street, Bay Parkway, 18^th Avenue, Bath Avenue, Avenue U, Avenue O and Kings Highway, and descend on urban oases like Seth Low Park, Bensonhurst Park, Scarangella Park and Bath Beach Park.

“Doing these cleanups has been a long-standing tradition for me,” said Assemblyman Colton. “I am delighted to get together with my neighbors of all ages to improve the quality of life across my district, and I always enjoy seeing the results of our labors – streets and parks that welcome passersby. The effort benefits not only those who live in the area, but also those who visit to patronize our diverse businesses. Keeping the neighborhood tidy benefits everyone.”

"A clean neighborhood is a safe neighborhood, and District 43 deserves nothing less,” said Councilmember Zhuang. “I'm proud to join Assemblyman William Colton and our incredible community members to roll up our sleeves and take care of the streets, parks and public spaces we share. Events like this remind us that the strength of our community comes from the people in it, neighbors who show up, who care, and who take pride in where they live. I hope to see as many District 43 residents as possible on June 7."

The decisions as to what areas to focus on are made based on observations by the officials and their staff; in addition, local residents frequently offer suggestions as to which sections of the community would benefit from some attention.

Volunteers range from members of Chinese American Social Services (CASS) to local students, but everyone is welcome to join in. If you are interested in volunteering, please call Assemblyman Colton’s district office at 718-236-1598 or email contrinoa@nyassembly.gov.

Assemblyman Colton has led community cleanups for well over a decade; he and Councilmember Zhuang sponsor cleanups through the summer and fall.