Mayor: Boston Shines… if everyone pitches in

Mayor Martin J. Walsh wants Boston residents and businesses to pitch in on keeping the city clean, and so far his constituents have no problem with the suggestion.

Mayor Walsh is absolutely right, that property owners, whether it be residents or businesses, should take as active a role in keeping the city clean as they can, said Meg Mainzer-Cohen, president of the Back Bay Association. There are some property owners that dont take any responsibility whatsoever.

Walsh told a gathering of North End businesspeople yesterday that hes asking every man, woman and business owner to grab a broom and clean up their neighborhoods. The request is part of Walshs two-week Boston Shines campaign, which will start later in West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Roxbury, Allston and Brighton.

I do think people should sweep in front of their house and I do think businesses should sweep in front of their business. It shouldnt be the sole responsibility of the city to clean the streets. People should take pride in their neighborhoods, Walsh said, after telling a North End Chamber of Commerce breakfast that parts of Boston are filthy.

Neighborhood leaders echoed the mayors sentiment.

Theres always room for improvement, said Brad Brown, president of the Jamaica Plain Business and Professional Association. People would be happier.

Business owners hoped their peers would heed the mayors request.

Its important to keep the area around your business clean. I think it makes the city more appealing for the visitors we accommodate, said Bruno Marini, chief operating officer of Strega Waterfront, where a worker was sweeping the sidewalk yesterday.

Go out and sweep in front of your gutter, Walsh said, disputing the notion that its the citys job. Its not that hard. I do it. Other people do it. Taxes arent just there for street cleaning. Taxes are there for public safety. Taxes are there for educating kids. Taxes are there to make sure the water and sewer is running properly. Taxes are there to make sure all city services keep moving forward.

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Mayor: Boston Shines... if everyone pitches in