Published: March 25, 2008 11:29 pm      

City cleanup planned

On a Sunday morning in June, more than 250 volunteers swarmed into downtown Johnstown to paint, plant flowers, fix benches and trim trees.

Organizers hope the second “downtown pride day” can build on that success.

“Our goal is the do an even better cleanup of the downtown than we accomplished last year,” said Jim Brett, president of Discover Downtown Business Partnership.

The partnership sponsors the event with cooperation from city officials.

Organizers expect to plant flowers and replace 10 to 14 trees “that are missing in various spots of the downtown landscape,” Brett said.

Also on the agenda is a major cleanup throughout the central business district.

That includes picking up litter, pulling weeds and sweeping up weeds and debris, Brett said.

Johnstown employees will collect and dispose of the refuse, city Public Works Director Darby Sprincz said.

Brett said the effort is well organized, with “block captains” designated to supervise volunteers in certain areas.

Johnstown Mayor Tom Trigona, who plans to coordinate work in Central Park and on Franklin Street, commended the business consortium’s plans.

“They’re very organized, very dedicated,” Trigona said.

“They’re looking out for Johnstown. We need more of that.”

Brett is looking for additional volunteers including business owners, residents and service organizations.

He also is appealing to downtown churches to lend a hand, adding that a few churches already have expressed interest.



How to help

What: Downtown pride day. Volunteers will work May 18 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A picnic for volunteers is planned afterward in Central Park.



More information: Send an e-mail to Jim Brett at jim@discoverjohnstown.org or jebrett@brettinsurance.com.