NewsChannel5's Building Better Neighborhoods has 100 volunteers involved in street clean-up

CLEVELAND - Cleveland Councilman Kevin Conwell worked with NewsChannel5 in selecting the site for the first Building Neighborhoods street clean-up at East 116th and Ashbury Avenue, on Cleveland's east side.

So far the event has attracted 100 volunteers to the scene.

The clean-up will continue until 7 p.m..  The team of volunteers are from the Famicos Foundation, Rebuilding Together and WEWS, and will be led by NewsChannel5 news anchor Leon Bibb.

Volunteers will replace old landscaping, take down high weeds and perform spot painting on several homes.

Bibb said he believes any improvements in the neighborhood will act as a catalyst for a continued resurgence in that community.

"It will have a domino effect," said Bibb. "The people next door will see what's going on, and they'll pitch-in to help."

"Improvements will then move down the street, down the block and then over to the next neighborhood. The next thing you know, your rebuilding and entire community, an entire city."

Residents like Jamie Kidd, who has lived on East 116th Street for the past 40 years, are pleased about the upcoming Building Better Neighborhoods event.

"I'm very excited. I'm getting more help than I'm getting now," said Kidd. "I really appreciate that."

The neighborhood was selected by  Conwell and the Famicos Foundation.

"We're pleased to work with NewsChannel5's Building Better Neighborhoods to make a difference on this street," said Conwell. "The residents living here are going to participate, the residents are going to help, the residents are going to feel better about their community."

The event is also being coordinated by Rebuilding Together Greater Cuyahoga Valley, an organization dedicated to helping low income families improve their homes and quality of life.

"We not only give hope to homeowners, we help remove blight and give hope to the neighborhood," said Rebuilding Together Executive Director Paul Holm. "We just hope to build a better sense of community."

Conwell is pleased the volunteer team will be led by Bibb. Leon grew up in Cleveland's Glenville neighborhood, just a mile and a half from East 116th Street.

"Leon knows the neighborhood, he's from the neighborhood," said Conwell . "He's always helping out at Glenville, so we know Leon Bibb is very inclusive in our community."

New landscaping materials are being provide by Petitti's and lunch for all volunteers will be delivered by Papa John's.

Updates on the day long effort will be broadcasted on NewsChannel5 at noon, 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. by 5 On Your Side Troubleshooter Joe Pagonakis. Information will also be shared on Facebook and Twitter, as well as live streaming of the event on newsnet5.com during the afternoon.