Cleanup at 4800 Bedford Gets Results Without Volunteers Lifting a Finger

4800 Bedford is a long-vacant property that has attracted a considerable amount of dumping over the years. At the corner of Bedford and Cornwall, it's a conspicuous spot that neighbors have wanted to see cleaned up.

So, bright and early on a Saturday morning in late April, over 25 community members volunteered to clean up the site.

When we all arrived at the property, to our puzzlement and surprise, a crew of 5 was already there, cleaning up the vacant property. And these were not any of our community volunteers.

We soon found out the owner of 4800 Bedford had gotten wind of our cleanup and felt pressure to get ahead of our event. The owner hired a crew after hearing about our event, which we had promoted heavily online and offline. Behold the power of putting someone on blast! Without lifting a finger, neighbors got legitimate results on a problem property.

With nothing to do at 4800 Bedford, volunteers walked down the street to 4890 Bedford — another blighted, vacant property — to take care of the dumping and trash in front of that house. Our trash picker-uppers really came in handy here, and we were able to get the property in shape within an hour.

Following that, a handful of energetic volunteers went to a third spot — Balfour and Warren to clean up the alley behind the Tool Library.

Thanks to everyone who came out. A special thank you goes to the Three Mile and Bedford block clubs. And a big shout out to Motor City Grounds Crew for hauling the trash. Our next cleanup is May 22, location to be determined. Have a suggestion? Please email us at email us at morningsidecommunity2@gmail.com.