Taylors Clean-Up Organizer Looking For Volunteers

Rayshawn Johnson looked out over some eyesores on Taylors' Main Street on Thursday and saw something else. 

Where there were poorly-kept lawns, spots of accumulated trash and debris and poorly-maintained sidewalks, Johnson hopes a little neighborly love could create manicured lawns, pristine walking paths and a more beautiful community. 

Johnson and local artist Doug Young, who have a common bond in their regular attendance of Taylors Town Square, are spearheading an effort for a community clean-up. 

Johnson is a representative of CITY Initiative, a community development and advocacy organization aimed at promoting positive growth of communities by uniting its people and connecting them to the proper resources needed for improvement and growth.

Johnson made an initial assessment Thursday of some potential spots where a clean-up could focus. He hopes to iron out a plan soon, thereby attracting volunteers. 

"Mostly people are waiting on a well-developed plan," Johnson said, who said he's received several verbal agreements from people willing to offer their services when a plan comes together. 

"Most of what we do will be contingent upon how many volunteers we get in the next month," he added. 

Johnson and Young are hoping to hold the first of several community clean-up days in the first weekend in April. He hopes to get more than 100 volunteers by that time. 

From speaking to county government about maintenance of roads and sidewalks in Taylors, to reaching out to businesses willing to donate services, or even just speaking to homeowners in the area with overgrowth of vegetation and grass in their front yards, Johnson has plenty on his plate to make the clean-up a reality. 

Those interested in the project can contact Johnson at rjohnson@cityinitiative.co. 

Note: The e-mail address listed above is correct. Please do not send inquiries to rjohnson@cityinitiative.COM.