In April of this year, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a new program, the City Cleanup Corps (CCC), described as “a New Deal-inspired economic recovery program to directly create 10,000 jobs and make New York City the cleanest, greenest city in the United States.” The program provides funds for hiring interns across ten City agencies for neighborhood beautification – sweeping streets, removing graffiti, power-washing sidewalks, and more.
One innovative element of the program is that local community organizations can apply to supervise one or more CCC interns, giving them assignments and providing training and oversight. The Civic Council jumped at the opportunity and, despite a complicated application process, intern Jessian Carrion began in August, with Muneer Ansaar and Jamie McKenzie starting in September.
Tarzian Hardware is home base for the CCC team. Arriving in the morning, Council interns get the day’s assignments, and pick up any needed tools and equipment from Tarzian owner and PSCC Trustee John Ciferni or one of his store managers. After that, they’re mostly out on 7th Avenue, cleaning up one of the most heavily trafficked and busy streets in the neighborhood. Coupled with the ongoing beautification and cleanup work on 5th Avenue, organized by the 5th Avenue Business Improvement District, where Civic Council Trustee Mark Caserta is Executive Director, this new initiative is making a significant difference in the attractiveness and friendly ambiance of Park Slope.
If you see our CCC interns on the street, please introduce yourself and share how much we appreciate their contributions.