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NEIGHBORHOOD ENHANCEMENT TEAM COMPLETES TWO NEIGHBORHOOD CLEAN-UPS THIS QUARTER ✅
CITY TO REPLACE SIDEWALK , IMPROVE PARKING LOT AT SOUTHEAST BRANCH LIBRARY
Since December 2019 , Code Compliance has partnered with 19 neighborhoods from all City Council districts creating bonds with a base of volunteers , service organizations , and faith-based groups . Kindness is spreading across America ’ s Dream City as neighbors are helping neighbors .
Community cleanup events by the Neighborhood Enhancement Team ( NET ) have yielded 127.2 tons ( 254,000 pounds ) of trash / debris removal from residential neighborhoods .
In October 2022 , over 75 volunteers and community partners united to join the NET where 7.5 tons ( 15,000 pounds ) of trash and debris was removed from the Turf Club Estates neighborhood . The NET wrapped up 2022 with a Willow Creek Estates community block party . In early December , residents joined City Council District 3 Representative Nikkie Hunter and city staff at the Bowie High School cafeteria to enjoy food , games , social interaction , and to learn about city services .
“ This is an excellent program – something for the people and giving back to the people ,” said Cindy Solis , a resident on Polo Club Drive . “ We appreciate it so much .”
The Tool Sharing Trailer has been featured at the events , filled with tools and equipment to assist volunteers with the cleanup . In past cleanups , items have been checked out for the teams to mow lawns , trim low-hanging tree limbs over the streets to ensure safe passage of tall vehicles such as fire trucks , and many other actions achieving a cleaner , safer , more beautiful neighborhood .
“ The Tool Sharing Program sounds awesome , especially to help single moms with broken lawn mowers , and it provides the opportunity and blessing of not stressing in times of financial hardship for families – a great help for the community !” said Lisa Rogers , resident of Willow Creek Estates since September 1995 .
Rogers , an original homeowner in Willow Creek , raised her children to be good neighbors , teaching them to “ Live your best life with the people that God has joined together .” Rogers gave examples of neighbors helping neighbors in this community .
The cleanup events always conclude with a neighborhood block party with food , free giveaways , games , and an opportunity for neighbors to talk with city staff to learn more about resources and opportunities to help the community . The NET utilizes the Neighborhood Block Party Trailer for the events .
Patrons at the Southeast Branch Library will soon enjoy a smoother parking lot and new sidewalk when visiting to check out materials or participate in programs .
Work began on Monday , Jan . 16 to replace the uneven sidewalk and resurface the aging parking lot at the branch , located at 900 SE Green Oaks Blvd . The Arlington City Council approved a construction contract in late November with A & C Construction , Inc ., of Irving , in an amount not to exceed $ 299,100 .
Because of soil movement , the existing sidewalk has become uneven in places and is no longer compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act . The contractor will remove the sidewalk , stabilize the soil , and pour a new concrete from the parking lot to the library branch . Additionally , the contractor will pour an asphalt coating to smooth out and extend the life of the library ’ s cracking concrete parking lot . The work , expected to be complete within 60 calendar days , will be completed in three phases to allow for minimal disruption for patrons .
The City of Arlington ’ s Office of Business Diversity has placed a 20 % Contract Specific Goal for this project . A & C Construction , Inc ., has agreed to utilize 50.65 % subconsultant participation for the scope of work , meeting the City ’ s MWBE Policy .