EL man overwhelmed by response for help with community green space
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EAST LIVERPOOL -- With the city's lighting project set to wrap up at the end of the month, one local man wants to make sure the city's scenic view is shown off to its most potential.
"Isn't it beautiful?" Bob Smith said as he looked around the state Route 11 exit ramp in downtown East Liverpool, which is surrounded by rolling hills and the Ohio River.
Smith is a retired city firefighter who currently works as the city's housing inspector, meaning that he often wishes he could unsee some of the sights he sees.
Maintaining this area, which provides visitors a first glimpse into the city's soul not far from the Broadway Wharf, is what helps to balance him, he explained.
Around a week ago, Smith posted to social media with a plea to his neighbors.
"Help is needed. Most people get off the exit coming from Calcutta to the downtown and (get on) Jackson Street. Later this summer, all the lights will be on from the cloverleaf clear to Mulberry Street (on the east end) for the first time in 20 years. I maintain the serpentine area, cut all the grass and put up (the) flags. If I can raise enough money to put stone in all the beds as the mulch is gone, (it will mean less maintenance.) I'll have the labor done for free if we can raise enough to buy the stone," he posted via Facebook.
Hundreds of responses and thousands of dollars later, he bought and hauled his initial tons of gravel from Negley. The entire project was estimated to cost around $875. So far, contributions have far exceeded his expectations.
"I never dreamed the response would be so great. In these times that we have gone through and sadly witnessed, it is a breath of fresh air to see so many that just want to help," he said, acknowledging that he was lost for words (which rarely happens according to those who know Smith).
Perhaps it was interest in the goal or perhaps a respect for the man himself. Smith declined to theorize why; however, he does agree this shows that people still believe in the city and gamble on its future.
Smith showed off some of the work that was done, explaining his inspiration was a site at the Pittsburgh airport. "I had lots of help," he said, with donated cash, items and labor. "I really have too many helpers to name."
He raised enough to buy far more than his initial 35 tons for the project, which he said honestly he anticipated he would have to donate himself.
Some contributors even dropped hundred dollar bills in the mail for Smith with notes like "to help with whatever you need to make this city look as good as we both know it can."
The funds collected and not used for that Jackson area will be used to beautify other areas of the city.
Smith, who cuts the grass there about two dozen times annually, admitted that he likes to do it, as it provides an escape of sorts from his day job. Whether it was when he was a firefighter or inspecting dilapidated properties, Smith finds it comforting to be able to maintain the curb appeal at such a crucial piece of the community.
Anyone who wants to contribute to Smith's beautification effort can write him at 1421 St. Clair Ave.; East Liverpool, OH 43920.
He has promised to keep a detailed tally of every dime spent.