PHILADELPHIA – The Streets Department reminds motorists that enforcement in all 14 areas of the Mechanical Cleaning  Program begins on Monday, May 1.  Motorists that do not adhere to posted “No Parking” signs will be subject to fines.

Phase III of the City’s Mechanical Cleaning  Program began on Monday, April 3. With the support of Mayor Kenney’s $62 million investment over five years in street cleaning, the Streets Department expanded Phase III to include cleaning in 14 neighborhoods identified through the Litter Index as having the highest concentration of litter and requiring additional city services to supplement cleaning efforts.

To facilitate a more detailed cleaning, there will be restricted street parking on streets wide enough to accommodate relocation of vehicles. “Mechanical broom cleaning is most effective when the brooms are able to reach the curb lines,” said Streets Commissioner Carlton Williams. “We want to provide the designated areas with a thorough cleaning. A full-detailed cleaning cannot be completed if the brooms must maneuver in between vehicles. For the success of the program and to avoid fines, residents must adhere to the parking restrictions listed on the posted signs.”

“No Parking” signage during specified times will be enforced in all 14 areas beginning Monday, May 1:

  • Frankford: Bridge St. to Adams Ave. from Griscom St. to Torresdale Ave.
  • Germantown: Berkley St. to Chelten Ave. from Pulaski Ave. to Wakefield St.
  • Kensington: 2nd St. to Kensington Ave. from Tioga St. to Lehigh Ave.
  • Logan: Godfrey St. to Roosevelt Blvd. from Broad St. to 5th Sts.
  • Nicetown: Broad St. to Clarissa St. from Hunting Park Ave. to Windrim Ave.
  • North Central: Broad St. to 22nd from Glenwood Ave. to Diamond St.
  • Paschall: 58th St. to 70th from Greenway Ave. to Dicks St.
  • Point Breeze: Christian St. to McKean St. from Broad St. to 24th St.
  • Port Richmond: Kensington Ave. to Aramingo Ave. from Tioga St. to Lehigh Ave.
  • South Philly: McKean St. to Oregon Ave. from 4th St. to 8th St.
  • Southwest: Woodland Ave. to Kingsessing Ave. from 49th St. to Cemetery Ave.
  • Strawberry Mansion: Diamond St. to Lehigh Ave. from Sedgley St. to 33rd
  • West Fairhill: 5th St. to 13th St. from Glenwood Ave. to Susquehanna Ave.
  • West Philly: Parkside Ave. to Spring Garden St. from 52nd St. to 40th St.

To minimize the inconvenience during parking restrictions, the Streets Department has designed  SweepPHL, a web-based map that allows motorists to track and monitor the progress of the mechanical broom. Motorists can view when the broom has completed cleaning during the two-hour window to determine when and if they can return their vehicle. The online tool is housed at StreetSmartPHL.phila.gov.

To allow motorists to become accustomed to the new parking restrictions, the Philadelphia Parking Authority issued warnings on vehicles parked on the street during specified no parking times from April 3 – 28. Alternate street parking intervals are staggered from 9 to 11 a.m., 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1 to 3 p.m. Any unplanned obstacles, i.e., blocked streets or mechanical failure may cause a delay or cancellation for the day. Efforts will be made to service locations as quickly as possible. The mechanical sweeping program operates Monday through Thursday excluding City-observed holidays.

This pilot program is more comprehensive than standard mechanical sweeping. Equipment used in some areas will help to clear loose litter on sidewalks and other items not easily accessible with a standard mechanical sweeper. The equipment includes mechanical brooms (large and small), sidewalk sweepers, push brooms, and trash compactors used to remove illegally dumped materials. Backpack blowers will be used as part of the launch but not on all streets. They are an effective tool when clearing debris from sidewalks and on small streets where the mechanical broom is unable to fit.  Some streets in each pilot area may have sidewalk cleaning maintenance along with mechanical broom cleaning weekly.

To ensure proper cleaning is maintained, SWEEP Officers will patrol neighborhoods to educate residents on sanitation violations related to trash and litter and may issue warnings on vehicles not moved during designated times.

The mechanical cleaning program will expand to six new neighborhoods for a total of 20 beginning in July 2024. In preparation for the expansion of the six new areas, the Streets Department will begin installation of poles and posting signage along with testing equipment on designated routes in the new selected areas. The additional areas will have restricted parking requiring the relocation of vehicles once all required posted signage is completed in area.

Phase III of the program will run through November 3, 2023. The Streets Department will continue to evaluate and adjust logistics as necessary to ensure the program is operating effectively and efficiently. Residents are reminded that the Mechanical Street Cleaning Program supports community led efforts to clean blocks. City Sanitation regulations must be adhered to including setting trash out on regular collection day in the authorized location. Only household trash should be set out for pick up.  Visit www.phila.gov/streets for specific regulations.

 

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