In a neighborhood, as in life, a clean bandage is much, much better than a raw or festering wound.
Source: On plan to improve the image of the Bronx by covering the windows of abandoned city-owned buildings with decals depicting pleasant interiors; in NY Times, 12 Nov 83
-- Edward Koch, (Dec 12 1924-2013), US politician; He was the Democratic mayor of New York City from 1977-89.