Frank Lewis

PDT Staff Writer

The Scioto County Health Coalition, some local churches and civic organizations are launching a cleanup program - “Reclaim 2013.”

“They’re going to help clean up the streets of Portsmouth,” Andy Gedeon, Director of Environmental Services with the Portsmouth Health Department, said. “We want to really concentrate on the gateway, which is U.S. 52, Gallia Street, Scioto Trail, we’re trying to beautify that area. Then maybe next year we’re going to expand out to other areas of the city.”

The kickoff is March 28 at 8:30 a.m. at the SOMC Friends Center.

“We’re going to get some groups together and clean up the streets,” Gedeon said. “We’re going to do some trash pick up, sweep some sidewalks. We also have a project through the Coalition - the Property Assistance form. It’s for homeowners who are low income, disabled or elderly. They can simply fill out the form, and we will get together with the civic organizations, and through the Scioto County Health Coalition, help them paint their house, help them do some yard work, mow their grass, possibly repair some sidewalks and repair some wheelchair ramps as needed.”

Gedeon said the Coalition is currently looking for volunteers including church groups, youth groups, and other civic organizations to join the efforts on March 28 and 29.

“Also, if there are any businesses out there who want to donate any kind of food, water, or soda, or trash bags, or anything like that, they can contact us,” Gedeon said.

Gedeon said anyone who wants to volunteer or get more information, may call him at 740-353-5153, Craig Gilliland 740-356-8765 or go on sciotohealth.org.

Solid Rock Construction Company of West Portsmouth was recently awarded the contract for the tear down of some 25 vacant houses in the city of Portsmouth as a part of the Gateway Project. The Gateway Project consists of the city streets that are a part of the U.S. 23 and the U.S. 52 corridor through the city.

“This is 25 houses coming down on Scioto Trail and (U.S.) 52, going both ways,” Portsmouth Health Commissioner Chris Smith said. “So as people drive on Walnut Street, on Gallia Street, and they look up on the hill and see all of those abandoned houses, they are coming down.”

Solid Rock Construction Company was awarded the contract on a bid of $123,700.

Frank Lewis may be reached at 740-353-3101, ext. 252, or at flewis@civitasmedia.com.