After posting on quality of life issues last week, and featuring a tree surrounded by asphalt at the Evans National Bank driveway at Delavan, I received an inspiring email earlier today. Even though it was City property, Mike Lucchino, owner of the neighboring properties (he also owns Elmwood Taco and Sub), took it upon himself and ripped up 6'x6' of asphalt surrounding the tree. Tomorrow he is having the bed mulched.

Not only will Mike not have to deal with a dead tree in the future, the property will have an attractive entranceway rather than an asphalt pad. When I originally called on the issue, and opted to use that image for Al Labruna's post, I never thought that anything would come from it other than hoping that the image would be a lesson to others who were considering doing the same thing. When Mike sent me a photo of the work that he commissioned to right the wrong, I almost fell out of my chair. Mike, you will see me at ETS tomorrow for lunch to personally thank you for the incredible improvement to the block, the Elmwood Village and the city.