In an effort to help revitalize the neighborhoods of the West Side, the Basilica’s Community Program Department has joined efforts with neighborhood and community organizations to enhance the interior of the West Side by bringing together residents and volunteers to keep our community clean and green. This grassroots initiative is created to promote community involvement and discourage dumping and littering

In 2008 the LF Beautification Program will launch an aggressive plan to coordinate both a spring and fall Neighborhood Beautification event to assist residents with cleaning up and beautifying their neighborhoods. For two days, garbage, litter and overgrown greenery will be removed from common grounds such as open spaces, medians and sidewalks with the City providing dumpsters, garbage bags and pick up of debris.  The Spring Beautification Day is scheduled for Earth Weekend April 19-20 and the Fall Beautification Day will take place on November 1-2.  Our goal is to tackle 20 sites in the West side through this annual activity.   The Basilica’s Community Program Department is currently developing a long term plan for revitalization through an Adopt –A-Spot program.  Families, businesses, faith organizations and civic associations can partner with the Basilica to care for areas throughout the West Side by adopting spaces that will be maintained through their volunteer involvement.

The Basilica’s promotion of garden and green space plays a vital role in the promotion of cleaner, safer and attractive neighborhoods.  The plans of our Power of Flower Program will complement the work necessary to carry out our beautification efforts through the development of mini gardens.  We believe the LF Neighborhood Beautification program will help to instill community pride by building stronger neighborhood partnerships and play a significant role in uniting residents in working towards a common goal of beautifying the West Side.