A positive and lasting impression is what the Ouachita Business Alliance beautification team is striving for across the parish.
"It is the most visible core issue, you can see the results or lack of results," is how team chair Joe Holyfield describes the importance of the work.
Byway enhancement projects including U.S. Highway 165 and Interstate 20 are at the top of the priority list. "Its going to make a big difference in our community. There'll be some landscaping taking place," said Holyfield. Similar work is scheduled at forthcoming traffic circles to areas along Arkansas Road in the western part of the parish.
Co-chair Pat Moore is emphasizing code enforcement through the OBA. "We wanted to select projects and focus areas that the community can really see a difference," said Moore. "There are some ordinances we want to look at and maybe tweak, and get others onboard." Those measures address issues like trash service for some unincorporated areas of Ouachita parish and litter abatement enforcement.
The beautification team hopes to find funds through the alliance to hire a coordinator. The individual would work with the OBA and Ouachita Green, a beautification collaborative of groups representing Monroe, West Monroe, and Ouachita Parish.
