Focus Future Members Discuss Status Of Beautification Projects

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By Tammy Gray-Searles
    Although only two members attended the meeting, they were determined to continue the efforts of the Holbrook Focus Future Committee beautification project.
    Committee chair and Vice Mayor Cynthia Stuart and committee member Karl Stockl discussed the status of various beautification efforts and what remains to be planned.
    Stuart noted that Holbrook Chamber of Commerce officials received a letter that would allow them to proceed with clean-up work on the old bus depot at the corner of Navajo Blvd. and Hopi Drive. The cham-ber plans to pressure wash the building, install wire that will prevent pigeons from roosting in the eaves and place large murals in the windows to make the building more attractive. According to Stuart, some pressure washing had already taken place and the wire had arrived. The project is expected to begin within the next two weeks.
    Stockl noted that the problem with the flowers being watered at Living West Park had been resolved, and they were now growing well.
    He also explained that he is waiting for the area between the new library and the fairgrounds to be cleared so a test patch of wildflowers can be planted. Focus Future members plan to plant wildflowers that will grow without irrigation along portions of Navajo Blvd. and Hopi Drive. They are waiting for a final determination to be made on who will ultimately take ownership of rights-of-way along Navajo Blvd., and for the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to complete a weed spraying and vegetation seeding project along the roadway.
    The wildflower test patch will be planted where the former elm tree test project took place. The test patch will help the group determine which varieties of wildflowers will grow best without regular watering in Holbrook’s climate. It will also help them decide how heavily to seed the areas they plan to plant.
    Stuart and Stockl discussed the clean-up work going on at the Sun and Sand, and whether plans to build a sidewalk along Eighth Avenue next to some of the Sun and Sand buildings were still relevant. Stuart noted that the new owners of the old motel plan to turn it into an apartment complex.
    Because other members of the committee were not in attendance, reports were not made on other pend-ing projects. The next meeting is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, July 16, at city hall. The public is en-couraged to attend.