By implementing this comprehensive plan, Sheffield can effectively deter littering, promote civic responsibility, and enhance the city’s cleanliness and appeal.
Objective:
To execute a 395-day cleanup and beautification initiative, beginning with Sheffield’s primary transportation corridors and expanding into residential areas. The plan establishes strict enforcement mechanisms and a comprehensive ordinance overhaul to maintain long-term improvements.
Phase 1: Main Thoroughfare Cleanup (Days 31-180)
Targeting these 8 major corridors:
- N. Jackson HWY – Bridge to 2nd St.
- Hatch BLVD – 2nd St to 6th St.
- 2nd St – from Hatch/Woodward to N. Montgomery Ave
- Cox BLVD – from Avalon Ave to 2nd St
- Avalon Ave – from Cox BLVD to S. Montgomery Ave
- S. Montgomery Ave – from Avalon Ave to rail crossing
- N. Montgomery Ave – from rail crossing to standpipe
- S. Jackson HWY – from N. Main St to S. Montgomery Ave.
Phase 2: Residential & Citywide Expansion (Days 181-395)
- Full-scale beautification moves into neighborhoods, parks, and business districts.
- Public-private partnerships are developed for sustainability.
- Ongoing maintenance & accountability programs begin.
Key Cleanup Actions:
1. Precision Edging & Vegetation Control
- Edge all sidewalks, roadsides, medians, and curbs.
- Trim overgrowth, clear blocked signage, and remove weeds.
2. Pressure Washing & Deep Cleaning
- Power wash sidewalks, curbs, gutters, and crosswalks.
- Remove stains, debris, and grime from all high-traffic areas.
3. Street & Traffic Sign Restoration
- Straighten all leaning signs.
- Clean signage & repaint rusted poles.
4. Sidewalk & Curb Repairs
- Fix cracks, crumbling sections, and missing sidewalk links.
- Ensure ADA compliance where needed.
5. Litter Removal & Enforcement
- Daily litter patrols & placement of additional public trash bins.
- New ordinance: Maximum Alabama-allowed fines for littering.
- Strict enforcement through law enforcement & city staff.
395-Day Action Timeline:
Days 1-30: Violator Identification, Notifications & Ordinance Overhaul
Master List Compilation:
- Identify & notify every property owner violating city codes.
- Issue formal correction notices with resources, assistance programs, and timelines.
City Council Ordinance Package Adoption:
- Massive fines for littering at Alabama’s legal max.
- Mandatory litter cleanup program: Offenders must work fines off at the same hourly rate as city workers via the Sheffield Beauty Crew.
- 365-Day Moratorium on Property Code Enforcement:
- Everyone (residents, businesses, and the city itself) gets the same grace period to correct issues.
- Day 366 (after initial 30 days): Full enforcement begins with zero leniency.
Marketing & Public Awareness Launch:
- City-wide messaging campaign to inform residents.
- Countdown campaign: Regular reminders of how many days remain before the moratorium ends.
- Visual progress tracking (before & after photos, updates on improvements).
Days 31-180: Main Thoroughfare Overhaul
- Complete cleanup, repair, and enforcement on the 8 key corridors.
- Regular litter sweeps, maintenance crews, and inspections.
- Monitor compliance & re-notify non-compliant properties.
Days 181-395: Full-Scale Expansion into Neighborhoods
- Cleanup expands into all residential & business areas.
- Additional sidewalk, curb, and street repairs completed.
- Continued marketing to push voluntary compliance.
- Public engagement initiatives (volunteer cleanup days, beautification contests).
Day 396: Strict Ordinance Enforcement Begins
Moratorium Ends – Full Enforcement Starts.
- No exceptions—fines, citations, and Sheffield Beauty Crew assignments begin immediately.
Ongoing Monitoring & Accountability.
- Routine property inspections.
- Strict citation process.
- Ongoing maintenance schedule for public works.
Sustainability & Long-Term Maintenance Plan
1. Sheffield Beauty Crew
- Work-based alternative to paying litter fines.
- Mandatory cleanup shifts on preset days/hours.
- Hourly rate matches city street department entry pay.
2. Sheffield Pride Days
- Quarterly volunteer cleanup events.
- Involves schools, businesses, and civic groups.
3. Marketing & Progress Promotion
- Highlight milestones & progress updates.
- Ongoing countdowns & reminders to keep residents engaged.
Conclusion: Transforming Sheffield in 395 Days
This aggressive plan restores Sheffield’s image, raises property values, and attracts investment. It’s a total city transformation, ensuring that by Day 396, Sheffield is the cleanest and most beautiful it has ever been.