Philadelphia Neighborhoods Vie For "Cleanest Block" Recognition
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Judges from the Philadelphia Streets Department on Thursday were wrapping up their tours of neighborhoods vying for the prize of the city's cleanest block.
In one neighborhood in West Oak Lane, the trolley of judges for the "Philadelphia's More Beautiful" committee arrived a few minutes late at the 7300 block of North 21st (above), giving residents a few more minutes to spruce up the pristine block of 61 homes, where many of the residents have lived for more than 40 years.
Block captain Renee DuPree (right) says it's a close-knit block:
"It's just a block that if you ask someone to clean someone else's yard, they will."
Wanda Jones Heading is the clean-block administrator:
"When blocks participate in the contest, you actually see other blocks, like the adjoining blocks. They'll come down and say, 'We pitched in and we helped,' or, 'We want to do it next year.' "
Deputy streets commissioner Carlton Williams says they're looking for more than tidy lawns:
"It's who they are, it's all about community pride and spirit, and what makes true Philadelphians."
The committee is wrapping its tour this week of the 33 blocks entered in the Clean Block Contest and will announce a winner at a November 5th banquet. The winning block will receive $1,000.
Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio.
Photos by Karin Phillips.
