NEWS

Neighborhood volunteer project stresses safety, beauty

Jill Callison
jcallison@argusleader.com

An unsightly concrete barrier along Menlo Avenue protects neighbors from drivers who miss the 10th Street curve but does nothing to make the area prettier.

Now don't scoff because, yes, pretty matters. That's why volunteers with the Pettigrew Heights Neighborhood Association will gather Sunday to begin improving the view for those who pass by or live along Menlo Avenue while keeping the area safe.

Using a Community Development initiative and funding from the South Eastern Council of Governments for the $3,500 project, quartzite boulders and natives grasses will replace the barricade at 10th and Menlo.

Volunteers from the Pettigrew Heights neighborhood will do the work themselves, beginning with the planning for feather weed grasses and pillar roses that will grow to 7 feet tall, said Susan Randall, a Pettigrew Heights Neighborhood Association members who is the project chairwoman.

Professionals will install 16 boulders Wednesday, then the project is expected to conclude shortly thereafter when the city removes the barriers and volunteers will install bluestem grasses.

"Throughout the summer we'll be monitoring the rainfall to make sure the plants get a good start," Randall said. "If we don't get rain, one of the townhouse residents will act as host, water as necessary to make sure the plants get established."

The Community Development initiative that is funding the project partially was created two years ago. It reimburses recognized neighborhood associations and neighborhood-based organizations that complete projects that enhance a neighborhood's livability, encourage resident involvement and promote a strong sense of community.

The beautification component is important, said neighborhood development coordinator Adam Roach, but equally important is putting neighbors together to work toward a common goal.

"It's not only beautification efforts but knowing one another, working together," he said.

This project has included assistance from the city's traffic engineer, right-of-way coordinator and parks department. The Jersey barriers that have been in place at 10th and Menlo were implemented for safety, Roach said. The boulders that replace them will be safe but also more attractive.

Repeated problems had occurred on that flat piece of ground, Randall said. In February a car traveled across the public right-of-way and ran into a townhome owner's car. The barriers were put up after that.

The Pettigrew Heights Neighborhood Association then met to talk about how to maintain safety at that corner while also making it less of an eyesore.

"When it's done, the effective but unattractive cement barriers will be removed, and we'll have ornamental grasses among the boulders and a wood mulch at the base that will be easy for the city and the park department to tend," Randall said.

Mark Sanderson, Randall's husband, serves as the Pettigrew Heights Neighborhood Association president.

"I'm very supportive of the group doing this," he said.

Without the grants and incentive money, the project probably would never have occurred, Randall said. The city grants offer encouragement and incentive money.