The City of New Bedford and inmates from the Bristol County House of Correction are working to make the city a cleaner place.

Sheriff Tom Hodgson joined Mayor Jon Mitchell Friday at the city playground at Belleville Avenue and Washburn Street. Its an area that's been cleaned recently by inmates.

Sheriff Hodgson says the work program has some real benefits for inmates and the community. "Most of these inmates are coming back into this area, into this community, so if they're cleaning up neighborhoods while they're still inside, they're feeling good about the beautification project, people are thanking them, so all the way around it works."

Jim Phillips /TSM
Jim Phillips /TSM
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City officials say carefully-screened inmates are cleaning up litter hot spots in city parks and playgrounds, along roadways and beach areas.

Deputy D-P-I Commissioner Zeb Arruda says inmates have also helped city workers build picnic tables. "We got an empty garage, we got the wood, and you should see the picnic tables, they are absolutely fabulous. They're ready to go out into our parks to be used by our citizens," said Arruda.

Mayor Jon Mitchell thanked Sheriff Tom Hodgson and the person in charge of the inmate work program, Naomi Carney, for making the inmate crews available to keep the city clean.

The Mayor also recognized the efforts of "Operation Clean Sweep," which pver the past ten years has removed more than 75 tons of trash from neighborhood streets.

Officials also reminded residents of the Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day being held Saturday, April 30, at the Crapo Hill Landfill in Dartmouth.

 

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