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Committee discussing awards for exemplary property maintenance

Beautifying a property is about more than planting flowers.

Warren’s Street Landscape Committee is working on its beautification awards for the year.

But it is also working on a new concept.

Terry Pearson, who has been invited to participate on the committee, but is unable to serve as a full member because he lives outside the city, introduced a concept to the other members on Tuesday.

The Grow Jamestown (N.Y.) program thanks property owners who maintain their properties in exemplary ways.

“It doesn’t have to be flowers,” Pearson said.

If one property in a neighborhood stands out consistently for being mowed and edged and otherwise cared for, the committee could recognize the person taking those steps.

Many of the people who win the beautification awards are going to keep at their property for more intrinsic reasons. The cards might encourage others, letting them know their efforts are not unnoticed.

“If I was out taking care of my property and somebody sent me one of these, it might be a motivator,” he said.

The Jamestown group sends ‘thank you’ cards to those people.

Committee member Mary Conarro suggested the committee could continue the cards through the winter, recognizing residents who keep their sidewalks clear.

The members unanimously passed a motion to have Pearson develop a sample card for the May meeting.

If costs are prohibitive due to mailing, the members discussed the possibility of delivering the cards in person.

With the spring tree planting in the city behind, the members talked about the fall planting.

City officials expect to plant 70 to 80 trees in the fall, according to Planning Director David Hildebrand.

The committee members will be looking for appropriate locations.

“Between now and the May meeting, … go out and identify some open areas you think could use street trees,” Hildebrand said. He mentioned Conewango Avenue, E. Fifth Avenue, and Pennsylvania Avenue.

Most of the trees will be medium-sized shade trees and ornamentals.

Pearson suggested that Conewango is becoming a major entry to the city. “There’s an aesthetic value to having some trees in that area,” he said.

The city sends letters to the owners of properties that are selected for trees, according to Public Works Director Mike Holtz.

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