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Programs

Operation Neat Streets
How often does the Operation Neat Streets (ONS) team clean downtown?
Why don’t I see the Green Machines out in the winter?
What type of information can I ask the Operation Neat Streets team?
Operation Neat Streets Statistics

Operation Neat Streets

Created as a managed approach to enhance downtown’s physical environment, this program has proven to be an effective way to reduce litter, improve the public's image of downtown and encourage community involvement in all downtown events.

The Operation Neat Streets (ONS) program is making a dramatic difference in improving the overall neatness and appearance of the downtown environment and providing personal, public communication and assistance to downtown employees, residents and visitors.

Our skilled staff is easily recognized in bright yellow shirts, offering a wealth of knowledge about downtown Akron. Always a friendly face, count on the Downtown Akron Partnership’s Operation Neat Streets team to assist with any downtown questions.

• Downtown Ambassadors: From property line to curb, Downtown Ambassadors pick up litter, debris, cigarette butts, etc. from downtown sidewalks within the Special Improvement District. They removed more than 30,000 gallons of litter and debris from downtown sidewalks last year. In addition to performing light sidewalk cleaning, Ambassadors also act as greeters for downtown employees, patrons and visitors, and provide directions and helpful information regarding downtown amenities and upcoming events. They are also equipped with 2-way communication in the event they need to reach the DAP office or emergency services departments.
• Green Machine: DAP owns and operates 2 Green Machine sidewalk sweepers. When weather conditions do not permit the use of the Green Machines, Downtown Ambassadors collect litter from downtown sidewalks on foot.
• Cushman: DAP owns a cushman, which assists the ONS team in cleaning and distributing information downtown.
• Downtown Planters: DAP plants and maintains the unique planters throughout downtown with two plantings each year.

You can help keep Downtown clean and safe. Let someone know when you see a problem downtown or email us at clean@downtownakron.com

Operation Neat Streets Frequently Asked Questions

How often does the Operation Neat Streets (ONS) team clean downtown?

The ONS team is downtown Monday – Friday. They spend additional time on downtown hot spots where pedestrian traffic is heaviest. They are on Main Street and other high volume locations daily, clean bus shelters daily and have a weekly route schedule throughout the downtown Special Improvement District.

Why don’t I see the Green Machines out in the winter?

The Green Machine sidewalk sweepers are unable to run in the wintertime. Even when snow is not on the ground, the salt and other debris make it impossible to operate these machines. During the winter months, cleaning is done on foot and with the cushman.

I occasionally see trash in parking lots, on the street and other spots downtown that the Operation Neat Streets team does not clean. Why is that?

The ONS team is funded through the Special Improvement District and does not clean private property. They work to enhance and complement the cleaning already done by the Akron City Services, which is responsible for street cleaning, etc.

What type of information can I ask the Operation Neat Streets team?

Anything you want to know about downtown. If they don’t have the exact answer, they can point you in the right direction. They are available for directions, inquiries and general information. They are also a great resource if you need to notify security or police about any situations.

Operation Neat Streets Statistics

The Operation Neat Streets team has been hard at work keeping downtown Akron clean and safe for its users. To see their progress click here.