Reading various political vacancies in Ward 5, as a voter, I feel compelled to reiterate some concerns and ideas that I have raised previously in the Observer, to neighbors, and others. 

I would like to address and propose some suggestions for the littering and uncleanliness of Ward 5, civic and parental involvement of particularly ethnic and immigrant Maldonians, and limited availability of social and recreational programs for young people.

First of all, as a property taxpayer, I believe all the streets should be well maintained. Though the littering in many Ward 5 streets is very displeasing, I want to publicly acknowledge Malden’s DPW for sweeping my neighborhood last Tuesday, a day that was not scheduled for street cleaning. Thank you! Now, I would like to offer some suggestions to “keep it up.”

For those who cannot clean their sidewalks during the snow because of illnesses or other ailments, I would like to propose residents’ and youth involvement in not only snow removal, but in keeping the neighborhoods clean year round. 

My first suggestion is to have neighborhood groups that will be responsible for keeping their streets and area clean. The city could provide brooms, shovels, dustpans and barrels that can be left in several common areas so residents would take turns cleaning up their streets.

Working with the city and/or the high school, and other agencies or institutions that serve youth, there could be a roster or data base of names and addresses of young people who can receive some allowances to clean up the streets and shovel for those who can’t shovel, rake, or sweep when it’s their turns. Signs like “ Keep Our City Clean” or “will be fined if caught dumping or littering” might help one rethink before dropping beer, soda, soft drink bottles, Styrofoam and paper plates and cups, even sneakers in the streets. In addition to pot holes and well maintained side streets, improper disposal of rubbish — such as appliances, shopping carts, and unwanted household debris — can be a city wide matter, not only of Ward 5.

I have been thinking of a community garden in abandoned train track areas, which all of Ward 5 could participate in. Some residents were ready to plant flowers and tulips last spring and during those warm autumn and winter days, and to have the train area cleaned or to have the tracks removed entirely.

A community garden and a “Keep the Neighborhood Clean” project would kill many birds with one stone. Given that there are limited structured, recreational, social programs, and jobs available to young people in the city, by engaging them in taking care of their neighborhoods and helping those in need, that may solve some public safety concerns. Let’s face it; the youth is, in most parts of the population, the segment that is creating the graffiti, feuds, fights, the gangs, and other disturbances that challenge public safety.

Some have suggested that felons should clean up open spaces like train track areas, parks, ponds, and the side streets that are not cleaned by the city after November 1 each year. Convicts could clean up those areas. However, I believe a neighborhood organizing around projects like a community garden and keeping their streets clean and safe will create more interaction, healthy community building and environmental responsibilities.

As a side note, being a member of the Black /Caribbean immigrant community, I believe the city may need to get more involved in calling upon the leaders and professionals of several “ethnic” groups to be more pro active in learning the skills that will help them take better care of their young people and be more resourceful to recent immigrants and the disadvantaged of their respective communities.

With a School Committee vacancy and a new Ward 5 council member to be elected in two years, I would suggest a “ step up” in civic engagement of Ward 5 constituents – such as parents, businesses, and faith communities. More young people should follow School Committee candidate Adam Weldai’s leadership by being involved in decision-making regarding their schools and their municipality. Participation of the ethnic populations in this city’s politics is of utmost importance as well.
I hope I have conveyed some positive ways to help city and elected officials, as well as concerned Maldonians from Ward 5, to solve littering issues, dirty streets, young people hanging around, safety concerns, community building, and civic engagement of all residents.

Nekita Lamour is an area educator who lives in Ward 5. She can be reached at nplamour@aol.com.