Objective

The Task Force, in partnership with the Northland Alliance, has been working to develop and implement an economical, sustainable plan for improving and maintaining the common areas of the corridor, including grass cutting and trimming, weed control, trash removal and care of trees and planter boxes that occupy the shoulders of SR-161.

During 2006, the City of Columbus committed $5000 to the Northland Community Council to help fund this effort. Businesses along the corridor, including the Hadler Companies, contributed nearly $7500 in 2006, and these "Good Neighbors" were recognized in local print advertising. In 2007, the City contributed $10,000 for the immediate maintenance needs of the SR-161 corridor and provided funding to the Northland Alliance to help explore long term solutions, including the potential creation of a Special Improvement District (SID) similar to the one created in 2005 on the Morse Road corridor. Meetings with business property owners in the area to discuss a potential SID began in late 2007 and continue in 2008, with a majority of owners expressing support for a SID. While that effort continues, the need remains to keep the grass cut and the corridor maintained.  Even if successful, the earliest a SID could contribute resources to provide these services would be 2010.

At $1500-1700 per cutting, current funding will only pay for two or three commercial cuttings to supplement the four scheduled by the City — roughly one cutting every five weeks during the peak growing season (April to October), and far short of the 24 cuttings per season typical of commercial properties. Increasing the number of cuttings to just 15 or 16 per season, with one or two weed control applications, will make a substantial difference in the appearance of the corridor, but we need additional funds to pay for these services.

You can help.

	Contribute funds directly, or help us identify decision makers in your company or organization who should be approached about contributing toward the cost of a sustainable maintenance program for SR-161.  (Companies and organizations donating $100 or more toward this year's efforts will receive a one-year membership in NABA; contributors will also be recognized in print advertising and community newsletters.)
	Designate a member of your organization to participate on an ongoing basis in the monthly meetings of the State Route 161 Task Force.
	Spread the word among fellow business managers and property owners about the Task Force and its mission.