Thursday, May 23, 2002

ATLANTIC COUNTY SEEKS MORE BEAUTIFICATION PARTNERS

Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is looking for additional customers for the county's Beautification Partnership Program. Executive Levinson formed the public-private partnership program 2-years ago to beautify and maintain intersections, highway medians and traffic circles throughout Atlantic County.

Participants in the beautification partnership contract with landscapers to beautify and maintain intersections, right-of-ways, medians and traffic circles in exchange for signage promoting their efforts. These signs are seen by residents and the more than 30 million annual visitors to the area. With the assistance of the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Atlantic County has expanded the program to include state highways.

"More than a dozen businesses have adopted county-owned parcels of land and turned them into attractive lots and median strips. It's a win-win. We get beautified roadways and traffic circles. Businesses get promotional recognition," said Levinson.

"These businesses have also identified their company as an environmentally conscious business that demonstrates civic pride and corporate responsibility," he added.

David A. Notaro, Action Lawn Service owner, has adopted the corner of Dolphin Avenue and New Road in Northfield. "I am proud to be involved with the Atlantic County Beautification Partnership Program. I believe the improvements and ongoing maintenance of our site will contribute to enhancing the appearance of county roads and provide a good source of advertisement for my company," said Notaro.

Commerce Bank has adopted the Airport Circle in Egg Harbor Township. Ron Matthew, Regional Vice President, said, "The beautification of Atlantic County's traffic circles is another

example of the Commerce Bank commitment to the communities we serve. Our customers already know how aesthetically pleasing our branches are, now the bank is able to spread that same pride to the Airport Circle."

There are 22 additional sites on county and state roadways that are available this year, and sponsors can suggest other sites that they think are appropriate. "We are anticipating a 50 percent increase this year," Levinson said.

Locations are made available on a first come, first served basis, pending review and approval by the six member Atlantic County Beautification Committee, appointed by the County Executive.

The volunteer members of the Beautification Committee are: Chairman John Ferrie, Fresh Cut Lawn Care, Inc. & President SJ Landscapers Association; Co-Chair Tony Morris-Kline, Executive Director Atlantic County Mainland Chamber of Commerce; Charles Pritchard, Atlantic County Vocational Technical School; Sharon Ardelean, The Press Media Group, Retail Advertising Manager; Gary Dean, NJ American Water Company; and Project Coordinator Michael Schurman.

For more information about the project and applications forms call Michael Schurman at 407-6739, or visit the Atlantic County Web site at: www.aclink.org/beautification/homepage.htm.

Active Beautification Partnership Sites:

Airport Circle, Commerce Bank

Mill & Ocean Heights Avenue, Steve Johnson

Sugar Hill Circle, Steve Johnson

Dolphin & New Road, Action Lawn Service

Somers Point Circle, Anchorage Tavern

Hingston & Fire Road, Paul D'Amato

Doughty & Delilah Road, ACUA

Median Route 40 (Front of Shore Mall), The Press

Route 9 & MacArthur Blvd.& Somers Point Circle, Kelly's Landscaping

New Jersey Avenue, Absecon Business Community & City

Other sites can be suggested!

County News