Block Builders initiative aims to restore neighborhoods
ST. LOUIS — A transformation is underway in North Saint Louis.
“We’re out here basically because we care,” Spire Supervisor Whitney Young said.
A new initiative, Block Builders, is looking to help turn neighborhoods like Wells Goodfellow back to what they once were.
“When I grew up in North St. Louis, it was peaceful; it was quiet,” Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis Vice President James Clark told Fox 2 Thursday.
The Urban League is partnering with Ameren, the City of Saint Louis, Missouri American Water, the Regional Business Council, and Spire Volunteers to help clear debris, install lighting, and install doorbell cameras for residents to help instill a sense of safety.
“We will have a real opportunity to begin to change and challenge the culture in our neighborhoods,” Clark said.
The program’s an extension of the Clean Up, Build Up campaign, which has been active for some years, but the Block Builders will be out in Saint Louis communities more often.
“We are going to do this every other month now,” Clark explained.
The program will be expanded to include other critical areas in Saint Louis City, St. Clair County, and St. Clair County.
“This will inspire people,” said Clark. “Saint Louis pivots when we plant in the neighborhood. Then we can make the transition and begin to lift Saint Louis.”
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