Big Clean MKE; citywide effort in memory of Greg 'Ziggy' Zyszkiewicz
MILWAUKEE - The annual Big Clean MKE initiative took place on Monday, April 22. It is a citywide beautification effort in memory of Special Enforcement Inspector Greg "Ziggy" Zyszkiewicz, who was killed during an attempted carjacking while working for the city of Milwaukee in 2017.
A Big Clean MKE news conference and rally was held on Monday at Pete’s Fruit Market, 2323 N. Doctor M.L.K. Jr. Drive in Milwaukee.
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"We genuinely want to see better," said volunteer Lamontrez Haywood.
Haywood grew up in Milwaukee, which is why he takes pride in his neighborhood.
Haywood was one of several volunteers at the annual Big Clean MKE.
"Today is about getting the city as clean as possible," said Milwaukee Alderman Russell Stamper II.
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The citywide beautification effort encouraged people to pick up trash in neighborhoods across the city.
As the snow melts, garbage rises. Alderman Stamper says this year there was more trash than usual,"we could do better."
To keep Milwaukee clean going forward, Alderman Stamper says one way to do that is to get more garbage cans in the city.
"Studies say the number #1 reason we have litter is because we don’t have enough garbage cans," added Alderman Stamper.
Glass, bottles, and litter, Haywood says it's frustrating. But he hopes Monday's event will inspire others to pick up trash in their neighborhoods.
"It isn’t hard to do. It doesn’t take much of your time and the result will be beautiful," added Haywood.
More than 20 community organizations hosted cleanups this year, officials said.
Event partners include Westcare Wisconsin, Inc. and Keep Greater Milwaukee Beautiful.
Officials also note that clean-ups happen year-round. If you want to pick up your neighborhood, contact your alderman or visit the Milwaukee city website for more information.
