Keep Rt. 161 Beautiful

June 16th Letter to Businesses

Dear Happier Business Owner:

You must be happier now that the Rt. 161 corridor is looking so much better! As of this date, Kirk’s Lawn and Landscaping has now cut the grass three times. Each time they are able to do a little more. The cost of each mowing is $1,015.20. They are cutting and trimming the grass and picking up the trash in the public right-of-way from I-71 to Ponderosa Drive on both the north and south sides and the median.

We want to thank all the businesses that have contributed so far:

Northland Mall
Big Bear
Jiffy Lube
Always in Good Taste Catering
Hadler Companies
The Ink Well
Bob Daniels Buick
China Dynasty Restaurant
Corvette Corner & Cars
Bio-Medic Hair Systems, Inc.
White Castle
Forest Park Veterinary
Dade Shoe Repair

We especially want to thank Joe McCullough, owner of the Outback Steakhouse for paying for the first two cuttings.
There have been some surprises. Some small businesses have contributed very generously and some larger corporations are saying no to our requests. Some businesses that do not have a shop along Rt. 161 have donated money. One of the most difficult parts of the process is trying to find the right person with whom to speak. It would be very helpful if you could give me the name and phone number of the person who would make the decisions to spend money.
Another surprise is that businesses are simply not seeing how a beautiful Rt. 161 will help them. This is most puzzling. Ask yourself this question: Would you want to shop at a place that is riddled with trash and the landscaping out front looks terrible? I wouldn’t think so. It was actually a shock when large corporations just refused to even talk about the project and simply said no.
At this date we have $3,000.00 in the treasury. We have one bill to pay. That leaves enough money to pay for 2 more cuttings. Your help is needed. The grass should be cut at least 6 more times. We were also hoping that we would get some extra money to buy extra some shrubs and flowers.
There are 22 landscaping boxes along Rt. 161 at most of the major intersections. Three families from Forest Park have agreed to take care of two boxes, I am taking care of four boxes, Minerva Park is already taking care of three boxes at Ponderosa Drive. There are thirteen left. Minerva Park has generously donated the mulch for the boxes.
The Northland Community Council is currently in negotiations with Kirk’s Lawn and Landscaping to do some major work to make the boxes look beautiful and replace the dead trees along Rt. 161.
As a business, I think that you are getting a pretty good deal. The civic associations are contributing a lot of free labor and dollars for planting and maintenance. The Columbus Foundation’s Neighborhood Partnership Program is paying for the trees and major landscaping. All we are asking for is a small donation from you to help beautify the area. You stand to gain the most - be a good neighbor!

Sincerely,

George Schmidt
President, Forest Park Civic Association
818-2323


The next meeting to discuss the future of the Keep Rt. 161 Beautiful project will be on June 28th at 7:30 a.m. at the Outback Steakhouse on Rt. 161. We will also be discussing the progress of the Special Improvement District (S.I.D.) that will be created to continue the beautification efforts along the Rt. 161 corridor. Please plan on attending -- we need your input!

REMEMBER – THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE ON
JUNE 28TH
7:30 A.M.
OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE – RT. 161