Leaders in Passaic County say a new initiative aims to clean up Paterson's streets amid the pandemic.

"Prior to the pandemic, problems like loitering, littering, panhandling, illegal dumping -- they persisted," said Paterson Mayor Andre Sayegh. "And they were only exacerbated by this current crisis."

The city's solution is the City Sweep initiative, which involves putting up signs and creating a task force with the Economic Development, Public Works, Health and Human Services and Special Improvement District departments.

"We're going to have times where the entire team will walk the neighborhoods so we can fix the infractions of our city," said Paterson Chief of Staff Della McCall.

City officials are hopeful residents can help as well, by using the Paterson Plus app to report quality-of-life issues.

Violations come with a fine and court costs.