On June 24, a neighborhood cleanup was held by the residents of the DeKalb Avenue, Pond Street, Fisk Avenue Bloc. Area residents cooperated in the removal of various items under and around porches, in garages, yards and empty lots.

The island located at the intersection of Pond Street and DeKalb Avenue saw a face lift with the removal of weeds and debris. It was replanted with flowers by Gerald Kilian, Store Manager of K-Mart. It is a goal of the residents to continuously add plants that will bloom year round.

Thank you to Linda Boyer, special projects coordinator, who has attened the weekly meetings of the residents and contributed informaton on various proposals presented to the City of DeKalb on the disposition of the area. She has acted as a liaison, presenting our questions to city hall and returned to our meeting with their plans for supplying a dumpster and garbage bags for the cleanup. Her support is greatly appreciated.

Bill Nicklas, director of Building and Community Services, was active in the removal of debris along the streets on Saturday. He attended our meeting on June 22 and answered questions about various concerns of the residents.

We commend Bill Hanna, alderman for the third ward, for his efforts in acquiring the services of a consultant from Charleston, N.C., to research the area for historical content and give us his recommendations for the area. Mr. Hanna’s continued efforts to work in behalf of his ward are acknowledged and appreciated by the DeKalb/Pond/Fisk Bloc residents.

A proposal, from an outside source, has been submitted to the City of DeKalb for demolition of this area. Residents have formed a coalition to work with the City in selected renovation/demolition for the improvement of the area. The cleanup was the first of many ideas being proposed by residents for community improvement.

We appreciate the coverage of our neighborhood cleanup by The Northern Star.

DeKalb/Pond/Fisk Bloc residents