Baltimore City Mayor Brandon Scott is launching a “Spring City Services Blitz” intending to repair thousands of potholes, remove graffiti, resurface roads, and target illegal dumping.

The work will take place over 90 days. Departments involved include the departments of Public Works, Transportation, and Housing. Even the mayor is getting his hands dirty.

“We will repair 9,000 potholes, remove 900 graffiti markings, resurface nine miles of city roads and ramp up enforcement of illegal dumping at targeted hot spots,” Scott said.

This “blitz” was preceded by an internal assessment of service delivery, reviewing staffing models, equipment availability, and opportunities for service optimization. Mark Washington is the executive director of Cold Stream Homestead Montebello Community Corporation. He said he's happy to see the city removing graffiti in his neighborhood.

“Seeing this type of effort helps to re-instill, even on a small basis, hope that better days are ahead,” Washington said.

Deputy commissioner of the Department of Housing and Community Development Jason Hessler said those who are caught illegally dumping will face serious fines and charges.

“When we catch individuals that are illegally dumping, we criminally prosecute them. We have attorneys that work, so we go after them with criminal penalties,” Hessler said.

“This commitment to graffiti removal in neighborhoods that are plagued by it, it's one of the better things the city can do to help our neighborhood and improve the quality of life for residents,” Washington said.

After the 90 days, the city will assess other areas that need attention and shift focus there.

“No matter the neighborhood, Baltimoreans all want the same thing: high-quality city services that they trust will be delivered on time, every time,” Scott said.

Residents are encouraged to submit service requests by calling 311.