The City of Erie’s Love Your Block initiative is already making a visible impact, with Mayor Joe Schember today announcing the results of the program’s first few months of action across city neighborhoods.

Since April, city staff have partnered with several local organizations, including the Academy Neighborhood Association, East Side Grassroots Coalition, Groundwork Erie, Our West Bayfront, Central City Neighborhood Watch, and Build CDC, to reach out to residents and carry out community improvement projects funded through mini-grants.

On June 25, a collaborative beautification project brought together Love Your Block, Build CDC, Johnson Real Estate Properties, and local volunteers to plant 66 flowers in front of the new UPMC Health Plan Neighborhood Center at 803 East Avenue. The City of Erie’s Parks Bureau contributed two truckloads of compost, and the landscaping was designed by City Arborist Sarah Peelman and Potratz Floral Shop.

Another major effort took place on July 5, when Love Your Block teamed up with the Academy Neighborhood Association for a neighborhood dumpster clean-up. The event resulted in the collection of over 45 tires, 150 TV screens, and numerous old computers, electronics, and appliances. Volunteers and residents filled both a 30-yard and 15-yard dumpster with debris from the surrounding area.

As part of the same effort, the Academy Neighborhood Association also led the distribution of more than 40 yard tools and 50 outdoor plants, again with support from Potratz, to residents in need.

The City encourages residents to get involved in future Love Your Block events and help continue the momentum.

To volunteer or learn more, visit: erie.pa.us/lybvolunteer.