Local businessman Conrad Madsen and teammate Mateo Casas spent recent weekends clearing overgrown medians along Lovers Lane, stepping in after what they described as months of visible neglect from the City of Dallas.
Madsen — a commercial real estate executive and co-founder of Great State Hat Co. — said the stretch from Bluffview Boulevard to Inwood Road had deteriorated to the point of becoming an eyesore for nearby residents and businesses. Photos provided to The Dallas Express show weeds standing several feet high before the cleanup.
Madsen said the situation had gotten out of hand.
“We figured if the weeds got any taller, they’d be applying for homestead exemptions, and Lord knows the city services are already running dry.”
He said taxpayers deserve better maintenance along major corridors.
“We love Dallas. But let’s be honest—if the city won’t get around to this basic stuff, someone has to. It’s just embarrassing to these neighborhoods, which pay plenty of property taxes to this city.”
Images of the cleanup — with volunteers wearing Great State Hat Co.’s “Make Dallas Great Again” hats — spread quickly across social media.
Great State Hat Co.’s “Make Dallas Great Again” hats have become a recognizable part of the company’s brand, combining civic pride with a tongue-in-cheek nod to the city’s ongoing struggles with basic upkeep. Madsen said the cleanup effort fit naturally with the message behind the merchandise.
One nearby resident expressed frustration over the situation.
“It’s pretty sad that private citizens have to do this, but at least Great State Hat Co. is highlighting the problem—and fixing it. Lovers Lane was starting to look like nature had reclaimed it with weeds literally reaching heights taller than most people.”
Madsen said businesses along the corridor told him they immediately noticed the difference once the medians were cleared and appreciated the restored curb appeal.
He added that he has not received any communication from the City of Dallas about the condition of the medians.
“Maybe they’re still assembling a task force to discuss forming a subcommittee to eventually think about scheduling a cleanup,” he joked.
The City of Dallas did not respond to a request for comment.
More information about Great State Hat Co. is available at GreatStateHat.com and MakeDallasGreatAgain.com.