Spring Clean-Up Day By Beth Larson and George Horner, Residents at the Village Homes at St. Anthony Falls Association
V People who participate in the Clean-up Day are often more inclined to pick up litter on an ongoing basis around the property.
illage Townhomes is a relatively small complex comprised of 48 units, located in the Nicollet Island East Bank Neighborhood Association, bounded by two major traffic arteries—University Avenue and First Avenue NE. Residents of the complex—about a third of whom are original owners— include everyone from recent retirees to young families to urban professionals—many of whom work at the University of Minnesota or in downtown Minneapolis. As with many urban properties, Village Townhomes enjoys the benefits of a very walkable and retail-rich East Hennepin neighborhood, and the challenges that come with being a “destination” neighborhood. One of those challenges, which— is acutely evident when the snow melts, is litter that gathers particularly on the perimeter of the property. While the complex contracts with a firm to maintain and clean landscaping on the property, one of the original owners had the idea to engage owners in doing an annual Spring Clean-Up Day—to get a jumpstart on improving the overall curb appeal of the property. The premise of the clean-up day is really two-fold: To clean up litter that had built up over the winter—and to provide some time for neighbors to connect and get to know one another better. For the past 10 years, at the end of April (depending on the last snow melt!) residents are invited to participate in the clean-up day. Coffee and donuts are provided, along with garbage bags and paint to cover up any graffiti. Rain or shine, cold or warm, 10-25 people come to work, chat and start their Saturday with fellow residents for the Clean-up Day. The clean-up goes quickly—usually in less than two hours. But, the lasting impact of the event is even greater. People who participate in the Clean-up Day are often more inclined to pick up litter on an ongoing basis around the property. And, there is a real sense of pride in keeping the complex clean and litterfree. All-in-all, Clean-up Day is a simple but effective event that is really a grassroots effort on the part of owners themselves. The Board participates in the event as owners, not as Board members. The event is neither sponsored by nor managed by the property management firm or the Board. The event helps create a sense of neighborhood pride and community that go a long way in making the complex not only awesome for current owners, but also attractive for prospective buyers.
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Minnesota Communit y Living