The Department of Public Works assigns 47 employees (30 of which are seasonals) to mow approximately 7,000 vacant and abandoned lots, 62 parks, street boulevards, highway banks, and other miscellaneous public spaces around the city. These crews try to mow the vacant lots three times during the warm weather months. Unfortunately, the mowing cycle is running about 30 days behind schedule due to the heavy Spring rains, resulting in overgrown grass and weeds at many locations. That’s why it’s more important than ever for residents to pitch in and help maintain vacant lots in their neighborhood. The Department of Planning and Community Development has created the new “Care A Lot” program, which provides help in matching interested volunteers with vacant lots near their home. City employees and citizens are encouraged to help mow and maintain vacant lots, and to spread the word to your family, friends and neighbors to do the same.
Spread the Word: To participate in the volunteer Care A Lot program, register online at www.daytonohio.gov/carealot, or contact Kathleen Riggs (333-3671; kathleen.riggs@daytonohio.gov) or Ray Alexander (333-6549; ray.alexander@daytonohio.gov).
