A front-page story in the April 15 edition of the Butler Eagle said the completion of Slippery Rock's downtown revitalization project in the fall won't mean the end of work for Slippery Rock Development, Inc.

That's encouraging.

However, residents of Slippery Rock should view the completion of the project as a beginning, not the conclusion of something wonderful, albeit challenging, due to the temporary inconveniences it spawned.

Now that the weather is mellowing, shedding the persistent cold and precipitation that has marked the past few months, residents and merchants should find ways to build upon what the project has accomplished and will continue to accomplish this spring and summer. And, limited financial resources or a downturn in business volume should not thwart the opportunity for every household and business to do something toward that positive objective.

Some possibilities can apply to property owners and to businesses alike, and many won't require any official coordination or approvals from the borough. Many ideas can be regarded as what being a good neighbor is all about.

Some easy, low-cost suggestions:

Keep lawns or other grassy areas neatly cut and trimmed.

Trim trees and shrubs.

Sand and paint a weathered door, door frame or window frame.

Replace a worn or damaged shutter.

Repair or replace a fence or gate.

Take down any lingering outdoor Christmas decorations.

Don't allow items such as old tires, unused gas grills or broken lawn furniture to accumulate on porches or in yards.

Keep yards from looking like a broken-toy disposal center. Children can be taught a lesson in responsibility by being part of that chore.

Sweep driveways and sidewalks.

Reseal blacktop driveways and patch holes in concrete driveways.

Replace burned-out bulbs in outside lighting.

Maintain a constant vigilance against litter both on and around one's property.

Keep cars washed and waxed, to add to the sparkle of the community.

The borough's $5.2 million revitalization project is a great investment for the present and future. With Slippery Rock Development poised to focus on attracting new businesses and services, using accomplishments of the past year to demonstrate the community's spirit and vibrancy, it can be envisioned that the group will record significant successes.

It's also important that the community has been able to keep well in step with the project's original construction timetable; that is a mark of good leadership and planning - things businesses look for when considering a new location.

With the project so close to completion, maintaining and building the Slippery Rock-is-the-place-to-be image will increasingly fall on the shoulders of every individual who calls Slippery Rock home.

The year 2004 should mark the start of an era of stepped-up pride and exuberance in Slippery Rock and what it has to offer. For many, demonstrating pride and high spirits won't be costly. It will involve just time and commitment - but will be very important nonetheless.

From its rudimentary beginnings, the borough's downtown revitalization has been all about time and commitment. Community leaders proved what's possible; now others must keep the broader mission moving forward.

- J.R.K.