First Downtown Long Branch Cleanup Slated for May 12

The first cleanup of downtown Long Branch will begin next month when a group of volunteers will meet for the first time.

is led by Joy Bastelli, Carol Mellaci, Faith Teitelbaum, Jennifer Smiga and a team of volunteers from local businesses, the city and residents. Long Branch's Urban Enterprise Zone (UEZ) program will help coordinate volunteer efforts

Bastelli presented the group’s proposal for action at a Greater Long Branch Area Business Meeting last month and said the group would focus on Third Avenue between Broadway and Chelsea Avenue and Broadway between Memorial Parkway and Morris Avenue.

The group will hold its first cleanup on May 12 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Broadway Band Shell on the corner of Union Avenue and Third Avenue.

Registration and supply pickup will begin at 9 a.m., and the first 100 volunteers to register will receive t-shirts donated by the UEZ.

Those interested in joining should email downtownrenw@yahoo.com or call the UEZ at 732-923-2043 to register. Pre-registration is required for an accurate count of supplies and volunteers seeking community services hours will receive a letter affirming participation.

"Though not the first attempt at revitalizing the downtown area, the Committee of Downtown Renew hopes to focus on an education and action plan that will help them to achieve success by empowering business owners and residents to tackle its litter problem for the greater good of the community," a Downtown Renew release states. "The volunteers will host cleanups and meet with business owners to help them comply with City ordinances if requested."

Long Branch Mayor Adam Schneider said he is supporting the program.

“I’m glad to see an interest in downtown,”  Mayor Schneider said. “We’re seeing a renewed determination from storeowners, landlords and volunteers. We will do all we can to help support their efforts.”

“The economy has hit businesses and communities hard across New Jersey,” Downtown Renew volunteer Carol Mellaci said. “Our volunteers are looking to energize Long Branch’s vibrant multicultural shopping district so that we can offer local families and visitors a unique and affordable place to shop and play. No other seashore town in New Jersey offers our diversity of flavors and products.”

The group is determined to put an end to littering in the area which will also help keep debris from entering local waterways.

"By listening to the community, city officials, and business owners, the group is determined to learn the root causes of Long Branch’s littering so it can focus on education projects that will be key to change," the release states. "Long Branch is an urban seashore community and it’s vital to make the connection between the health of our waterways and the health of our community."