Chester block captains set inaugural citywide cleanup for Sept. 27; seek volunteers to staff nine sites

Organizers of Chester’s Block Captain Program announced plans for an inaugural citywide cleanup on Sept. 27 and asked volunteers to staff nine simultaneous neighborhood sites and a noon–2 p.m. celebration.

The announcement came at a program meeting in which organizers described the Sept. 27 event as the culmination of a summer cleanup series. Organizers said individual neighborhood cleanups will continue, but the citywide event will run from 10 a.m. to noon at nine locations, with an after-party and celebration from noon to 2 p.m. (Speaker 2).

Why it matters: program leaders said the citywide cleanup is intended to build on months of neighborhood-level cleanups, connect residents with city departments and community groups, and highlight persistent issues such as bulk trash, abandoned vehicles and alleyway obstructions that organizers say reduce parking and play space in some neighborhoods.

Organizers asked block captains to staff the nine sites. They said responsibilities will include overseeing a site, helping with event setup beginning around 11:30 a.m., and checking in participants at a registration table so the program can gather contact information for follow-up. Organizers said they will provide cleanup supplies (gloves, bags, first-aid kits and…