March 19, 2024

Volunteers needed to clean area near bridge

The City of Newton Implementing Newton’s Future Board is seeking volunteers to assist with brush and overgrowth clean-up surrounding the First Avenue West railroad bridge.

Join board members and volunteers from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Nov. 23, to assist in the bridge area clean-up. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own gloves and other landscaping tools to assist with clean-up.

The clean-up is being completed in preparation for the renovation of the bridge overpass, which is one of the projects in progress from the City of Newton’s Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan was adopted by Newton City Council in October 2012.

During the budget process for the current fiscal year, the Newton City Council allocated $250,000 to be used for implementation. Soon after, the council appointed 18 citizens to an advisory board, Implementing Newton’s Future. This board submitted a budget, which was approved, with $50,000 allocated toward the First Avenue West renovation.

The Implementing Newton’s Future Board is using this allocation to address the appearance of the railroad bridge and surrounding area. To volunteer, or for more information, contact Natalie Umsted at natalieu@newtongov.org or (641) 791-0859.