News Summary

SPRINGFIELD — The snow may be flying, but plans are well under way to beautify some area businesses with upgraded landscaping that is expected to be planted in the fall.

Through the Southern Gateway Initiative's Adopt-A-Tree program, which quietly launched in October, residents can purchase trees or shrubs as part of the second phase of the program to beautify the South Limestone Street business corridor.

The project, coordinated by Heather Whitmore, planning manager for the city of Springfield, was initiated to make the south entrance into the city more appealing to visitors and residents.

"The vision is to improve the entire corridor from Interstate 70 to Selma Road," Whitmore said.

The initial phase, at the interchange of I-70 and Ohio 72, was completed about six months ago and was comprised of a limestone "Springfield" sign and abundant landscaping.

The current phase will move north, starting at the intersection of Leffel Lane and South Limestone Street and continuing one block to Lansdowne Avenue.

"We'd like to try and get to John Street (five blocks north of Leffel Lane)," Whitmore said, "but I'm not sure if that's feasible right now."

Each individual phase will focus on a major intersection, but the entire street front will be improved along the way.

"Most lots along the street do not have any landscaping and we want to add two major elements — hedges and trees," Whitmore said.

Ultimately, the street will be bordered by a continuous hedge to screen business parking lots and trees will be planted every 40 feet.

Earmarked donations — the project relies mainly on donated funds, materials and labor — will be used to purchase nursery stock; shrubs cost $40 and trees cost $250.

Participants will also receive an on-site plaque bearing their names.

Business participation

All of the upgrades will be done on private property, so South Limestone business owners have to buy into the program.

The Southern Gateway Association, led by President Dale Henry, is the main interface with businesses.

"We are very optimistic about the opportunity to make some changes this year," Henry said.

He and his members continue to work with area businesses, which Henry said are willing to participate at the financial levels each can afford.

No exact costs have been established for business owners, mostly because costs will vary depending on the extent of work needed at an individual location and the amount of donations received, he said.

There are businesses — Taco Bell, Auto Zone and Walgreen's — already working toward the goal.

The owners of Taco Bell agreed to landscape their restaurant in accordance with the initiative's guidelines, Whitmore said.

Anil Jain, owner of the Sunoco gas station at 2253 S. Limestone St. since 1993, is glad to participate.

"The benefits for me are an improved image of my station and the area and my customer base will improve," he said.

Rudy's Smokehouse Bar-B-Que, 2222 S. Limestone St., is also a strong supporter.

It is in the restaurant's best interest to support the initiative, said General Manager Bill Fischer, because the improvements will draw more people to the area.

Fischer said he intends to time some planned improvements, including new paint and a new logo, to coincide with the trees and shrubs going in at Rudy's.

"Whatever we can do is really nothing compared to the benefits we'll receive from the project," Fischer said.

Henry sees the project, which will help improve the entire neighborhood, as a self-perpetuating win-win.

As improvements are made and people begin to see results, more businesses will want to join and more people will volunteer, he said.

A growing plan

The original task force included the SGA, Assurant Group (which donated $60,000 to the project), the Ohio Department of Transportation (which paid for landscaping materials), the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce (which donated $5,000), and the city (which donated additional materials and labor).

Scarff's Nursery participated in the first phase, but does not have an exclusive contract with the city.

Since the first phase, the task force has expanded to include Neighborhood Housing Partnership of Greater Springfield and Habitat for Humanity. Whitmore is working to recruit Keep Clark County Beautiful.

Each organization has adopted a specific role to manage the work. Habitat has signed on to organize all volunteer labor. NHP is sharing the expertise gained from its Cultivating Neighborhoods programs as the two programs have some similarities, said Tina Koumoutsos, NHP executive director.

Even though the current economic climate isn't the best, Whitmore is positive this project will succeed.

"Now is the time....If we have a vision, a heart for it, and believe in it," she said, "we can get this done."

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0371 or elroberts@coxohio.com.