A house on Columbus’ south side is now a lot brighter thanks to some volunteers from city hall. Mayor Robert Smith, Ward 1 Councilman Gene Taylor, Ward 3 Councilman Charlie Box and others donated their time Friday to help an elderly Ward 1 resident.
The project was the official kick-off for “Paint The Town,” an initiative launched by city planner Christina Berry to repaint several homes owned by disabled veterans, senior citizens and low-income single parents.
“I really wanted to do something to make a difference and help somebody,” Berry said. “If you go through the neighborhoods, a lot of these homes are just in need of being painted, but a lot of people can’t afford it or physically can’t do it. (Eliza Lewis) is a 66-year-old disabled widow who is very excited about having her home painted for the first time in years. We are working together to give her something to be proud of.”
Vicki Clay, whose mother owns the newly painted home at 1017 13th Street South, said she was thrilled to know the house was getting a much-needed facelift.
“I love it — this is great,” Clay said. “My mother is a senior citizen and a widow. This is very kind and generous for these volunteers to do this for my mother. She was very excited when she found out this was going to happen. It is truly a blessing.”
Clay said her mother had lived in the house for more than 40 years
For Taylor, the house painting was another way for him to be engaged with his constituents.
“From day one, we have been very active in this ward,” Taylor said. “There are a lot of senior citizens in Ward 1 and we try to help them however we can. We will be holding a cleanup day (today) to help people move things and clean up their yards.”
Box praised Berry for her initiative and vision in putting the program together.
“This is a city-wide project,” Box said. “(Christina Berry) did a great job in putting this together. I think our goal is to do a project in each ward.”
Also helping paint Lewis’ home were city attorney Jeff Turnage, who prepped the house, police chief Selvain McQueen, federal programs director Travis Jones, chief operating officer David Armstrong, public works assistant director Casey Bush and Berry. All materials were donated by businesses and individuals and the work was done at no cost to the city, Berry said.
The remaining seven homes will be painted today by various volunteer groups.
Jeff Clark was previously a reporter for The Dispatch.
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