It is October and that means it’s time for the annual city of Salisbury BlockWork neighborhood improvement project. The fourth annual beautification project will be held Saturday, Oct. 25, from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. This year’s selected neighborhood is the 900 block of West Horah Street.
The BlockWork neighborhood improvement project was designed by the Salisbury Community Appearance Commission to partner city staff with residents and other support groups to promote cleaner, safer neighborhoods, one block at a time. This year, the Salisbury Housing Advocacy Commission is a co-planner and host.
The pilot BlockWork project in 2011 spruced up the 200 and 300 blocks of South Shaver Street. It was one of only three municipal projects nationwide to win the National Make a Difference Day Award sponsored by USA Weekend, plus a $10,000 prize. Since then, the commission has sponsored two other BlockWork events — in the 1000 block of South Fulton Street in 2012 and the 700 and 800 blocks of East Franklin Street in 2013. During the one-day event, community volunteers will improve the curb appeal of the block, making visual improvements including porch repair, painting, landscaping, and general clean-up. Each property will have a skilled site manager with all the tools and materials his or her team of volunteers will need to complete their tasks. This is a community-wide event, and the city encourages individual residents and civic or school groups to volunteer a few hours or a full day as a way to show pride in the community. Breakfast, lunch and other snacks will be available to all volunteers.
Contact the city planning office at 704-638-5242 or Salisbury Urban Design Planner Lynn Raker at lrake@salisburync.gov.