MASIELLO, GORSKI ANNOUNCE 1999 GREAT AMERICAN CLEANUP
April 7, 1999
Contact: Peter K. Cutler (716) 851-5841
 

 BUFFALO (4/7/99) - Mayor Anthony M. Masiello and County Executive Dennis T. Gorski, joined by children from the Valley Community Center, today announced the 1999 Great American Cleanup, which encourages individuals and organizations throughout the city and county to participate in a coordinated neighborhood cleanup effort. The Great American Cleanup (formerly known as the Glad Bagathon) is affiliated with the nationwide Keep America Beautiful campaign. This year's Great American Cleanup is scheduled for May 8, 1999.

"The Great American Cleanup is an opportunity for residents of Buffalo to demonstrate their concern for the physical appearance of their neighborhoods and surrounding properties," stated Mayor Masiello. "Every year thousands of citizens throughout our city and outlying communities participate in this important demonstration of concern for the quality of our environment. It is especially important during 1999, which my administration designated as a "Clean and Green" year, that we make this year's Great American Cleanup the most successful ever."

This year, several events will precede the May 8"' Great American Cleanup. They include Earth Day cleanup activities in Martin Luther King Park on April 22"d and 24"', citywide public school grounds cleanup on May 7"' and the May 8t" Great American Cleanup, which will conclude with "thank you" celebration at a Bisons' game at North AmeriCare Park.

County Executive Dennis T. Gorski noted, "As Erie County Executive it is with great pride that I lend my support to the 1999 Great American Cleanup. I am happy to Join the over 25,000 volunteers in keeping our neighborhoods clean."

Children from the Valley Community Center have initiated the creation of trails and bike paths between the Smith St. Habitat Restoration Site and their neighborhood.

Today's press conference takes place at the Smith Street Habitat Restoration Site, which is part of the Buffalo River Habitat Restoration Demonstration Project. Erie County initiated the Demonstration Project with a grant from the Great Lakes National Program Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The city conveyed former brownfield land to the county for inclusion in the Demonstration Project.