Block Builders initiative aims to restore neighborhoods [Video]

ST. LOUIS — A transformation is underway in North Saint Louis.

“We’re out here basically because we care,” Spire Supervisor Whitney Young said.

A new initiative, Block Builders, is looking to help turn neighborhoods like Wells Goodfellow back to what they once were.

“When I grew up in North St. Louis, it was peaceful; it was quiet,” Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis Vice President James Clark told Fox 2 Thursday.

The Urban League is partnering with Ameren, the City of Saint Louis, Missouri American Water, the Regional Business Council, and Spire Volunteers to help clear debris, install lighting, and install doorbell cameras for residents to help instill a sense of safety.

“We will have a real opportunity to begin to change and challenge the culture in our neighborhoods,” Clark said.

The program’s an extension of the Clean Up, Build Up campaign, which has been active for some years, but …