Farmers & Merchants Bank, serving the South Bay communities with locations in Torrance and Palos Verdes, recently donated $11,000 to the Willmore City Heritage Association (WCHA) in early February. When funds were scarce for the 7th and Maine Beautification Project, F&M Chief Executive Officer Henry Walker stepped into fund a large portion of the next phase. Wilmore City is a historic district near Downtown Long Beach, a few blocks from where Farmers & Merchants Bank is headquartered.
“How do you thank somebody in a time of peril,” said Jim Danno, Community Outreach Coordinator of WCHA. “Through his kindness, he made our dream a reality.” The donation was invested in removing a large expanse of asphalt and grading the project site. This step was critical to setting the foundation for the entire venture. The original estimate for this portion of the undertaking was valued at $33,000. However, Walker reached out to his network base to reduce the cost to $11,000.
The 7th and Maine Beautification Project is a community based program focusing on cleaning up, landscaping and beautifying an abandoned area located directly north of the intersection of West 7th Street and Maine Avenue, at the northbound 710 Freeway on-ramp in Long Beach. Not only is this area seen by all who leave the City of Long Beach, it will also be a gateway to the Drake/Chavez Park expansion.
“This was a neglected area with abandoned shopping carts, tumbleweeds and a collection of trash & debris. This venture has beautified our neighborhood and created a real sense of pride within the community,” said Danno.
In order to accomplish realistic goals, the WCHA volunteer committee divided the project into three phases. Phase 1 of the project was completed within five months last May. The dilapidated Maine Avenue barricades were replaced with 14 concrete planters filled with colored succulents and a seating area, creating a visually appealing and functional cul-de-sac for the residents of Maine Avenue. The local community assisted with the cleanup and planting. Proud of their new garden, the neighbors have made certain that the plants are watered and maintained, and that the area is kept clean and graffiti free.
With the generous donation from Farmers & Merchants Bank, WCHA was able to commence Phase 2. There will be a new, low water use landscape installed with a state-of-the-art inline drip irrigation system. Blue Gecko Design is creating an urban garden oasis from the neglected and blighted exit from the City.
WCHA is grateful for the significant $11,000 Farmers & Merchants Bank donation and wonderful evidence of its commitment to the Willmore City Historic District and the City of Long Beach.
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