ST. LOUIS – The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and its partners are coming together Thursday to clean up a neighborhood in need in Wellston.
Thursday morning’s effort is part of an ongoing program by the Urban League and its partners called “Clean Up, Build Up.” The program is in its seventh year and aims to boost public safety and revitalize neighborhoods in need around the St. Louis area through clearing debris and completing other projects.
Back in July, crews with the program focused their efforts on the College Hill neighborhood of north St. Louis. The group removed trash, brush, and other debris. They also installed benches and other park amenities. There was another effort in May in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood of north city.
Thursday will be the second day of a two-day project in Wellston on Wellston Place and Robert Powell Place. The Urban League says properties will be cleaned up with overgrown vegetation and other debris removed. Improved lighting will also be installed, with floodlights being put up in darkened areas.
The Urban League also says 100 families will have Ring Doorbell Security System or solar powered floodlights installed in their homes. Priority for these projects will be given to senior citizens and single mothers. All of these efforts are designed to deter crime by doing things like improving visibility.
“When we talk about reducing crime and violence and really stabilizing St. Louis and transforming St. Louis into a first-class city once again, it starts with efforts like this.” Urban League’s Public Safety Vice President James Clark said about the ongoing program back in July. “It starts at the neighborhood level.”
The Urban League has many partners in this effort, including the regional business council and multiple large companies. County Executive Sam Page is also set to join in on Thursday morning’s clean-up in Wellston.
