Volunteers Clean Up Vacant Lots In West Haven

WEST HAVEN, CT — Nearly 20 volunteers participated in the Sandy Point Neighborhood Association's first Neighborhood Cleanup on Sunday.

The volunteers cleaned up two vacant lots on Peck Avenue despite below freezing temperatures, according to organizers. The association mobilized volunteers from various sections of Sandy Point to participate, and several students from Hopkins School in New Haven joined the effort as well.

The Neighborhood Association has scheduled a total of 10 cleanups throughout the year, targeting different sections of the Sandy Point neighborhood each time. The association provides gloves and trash bags as well as trash grabbers/pickers to assist those who volunteer. Bottled water and snacks are also provided for all participants, organizers said.

“There are some spots in our neighborhood that have become eyesores, because trash seems to always collect on them,” Association Vice-President Kathie Hebert said. “We are hopeful we can make a difference by targeting these areas and cleaning them up.”

The complete schedule of cleanups can be viewed on the association’s website here.

“The Association was initially formed in 2021 with the purpose of helping to build networks of volunteers to improve communications and the quality of life in this neighborhood, located in the southeastern corner of this City,” according to a news release. “The Association’s boundaries are: Washington Avenue on the west; First Avenue on the east; Beach Street on the south; and Brown Street on the north. Interested residents, property owners and businesses are welcome to join by visiting the Association's website, www.SandyPointNeighbors.org.”