The City of Marion and its neighborhood associations this year brought back an old program showing appreciation for neighbors who set good examples in appeal and/or are the product of a notable cleanup effort. In 2023, there were six locations awarded as “Bright Spots”:
- Don’s Tap (Factory Ave.) – Awarded by West Marion Homeowners Watch. Neighbors are grateful for the consistent indoor & outdoor improvements to the neighborhood tavern.
- 26th & Meridian – Awarded by Harry Cramer Neighborhood. A little free library and bench brighten a little corner of the neighborhood.
- 22nd & Brownlee – Awarded by Harry Cramer Neighborhood. The lot is being mowed regularly by loyal neighbors. As a result, illegal dumping there has subsided.
- 4th & E St. – Awarded by Garfield Neighborhood. Neighbors demolished a blighted structure, and created a greenspace with a pergola onsite.
- 2nd & Bradner Ave. – Awarded by Sunnycrest Westlea Neighborhood. The City and neighbors worked together to remove blighted items from the lot.
- Macalan Dr. – Awarded by Quarry Triangle Neighborhood. Owners maintain consistent care and beautification of their property.
Neighborhood Coordinator Kayla Johnson expressed, “We believe that by focusing on the good works in our neighborhoods, we will see more good works take root. The Bright Spot program is a way of saying ‘thank you’ to neighbors who make the extra effort. We hope by highlighting these neighbors, their efforts would be contagious!” She explained, “It’s like the ripple effect that occurs when you hear your neighbor’s lawn mower kick on. You feel the need to get out and mow your lawn as well to keep the block looking nice. The Bright Spot award merely takes that ‘positive peer pressure’ to another level in hopes we will grow together in our efforts to build and maintain safe, welcoming neighborhoods.”
