Teenagers Volunteer To Clean Up Streets Of Bensonhurst & Bath Beach

The neighborhood looking a little shinier lately thanks to some community-minded kids.

Groups of teenagers from neighborhood schools joined Assemblyman William Colton and Councilman Mark Treyger on Saturday, November 22 to help clean up large stretches of 86th Street, Bay Parkway, and Bath Avenue. The event was the third of its kind this year – part of the ongoing “Speak-Up & Clean-Up” campaign, which aims to keep southwest Brooklyn trash-free and raise awareness for proper disposal.

“There are countless benefits to having a clean community. Clean streets and sidewalks help local small businesses owners, since it entices more people to shop in the neighborhood,” said Colton. “Also, when people see clean streets, or see someone cleaning up the street, they are more likely to do their part as well.”

The campaign, which was launched in August 2011, has become tremendously popular with neighborhood residents, businesses, and local youth who continue to participate in the clean-up events.

Volunteers picked up trash on 86th Street from 25th Avenue to 14th Avenue, on Bay Parkway from 86th Street to Shore Parkway, and on Bath Avenue from 25th Avenue to 14th Avenue. In addition, participants passed out flyers in different languages, and spoke to residents and businesses about sanitation rules and guidelines, encouraging them to “do their part” and help keep the neighborhood clean.

Last week, Treyger, Colton, and Councilman Vincent Gentile announced they had allocated funding for additional sanitation services and litter baskets along busy streets in Bensonhurst and Coney Island as an extension of the ongoing “Speak Up & Clean Up” campaign.

The list of volunteers includes: members of District 9 High School Key Club, students from New Utrecht High School, students from Midwood High School’s Key Club, students from Brooklyn Technical High School’s Red Cross Club and Key Clubs, students from Edward R. Murrow’s Key Club, New York University’s College Cohorts Program, students from Madison High School’s Key Club, members from Franklin Delano Roosevelt High School’s Key Club, members of Brooklyn Technical High School’s Outreach Club, students from Brooklyn Technical High School’s ACT Club, members from John Dewey High School’s Key Club, among others.