At Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting Councilman Robert Nicastro brought an idea in front of the other members at the dais to help improve the look of the township.
Nicastro said as part of the township strategic plan he hoped to form a beautification committee from various people in the town. “Hopefully we can get some community members that would be appointed by the council with a background in gardening and landscaping,” he said.
The group could also include members of the shade tree committee, the planning and zoning boards as well as the Department of Public Works according to Nicastro. “We always hear from our residents that when you come from Freehold or you come from another area you kind of always know when you’re entering Howell,” he said.
Working together Nicastro said they can find a way to make the entry points to the township more inviting to visitors. That includes major roadways like Route 9 and Route 33. “Maybe we need to look at these areas and see if we could do some planting or establishing some themes,” he said.
One of the early ideas presented was to have signs that highlight accomplishments by Howell residents including champion athletes at Howell High School.
Councilwoman Pauline Smith said she believed Howell was beautiful already and was not yet sold on the idea of the signs. “A lot of people aren’t going to like this statement but I think signs are the ugliest thing you can do,” she said.
Mayor Robert Walsh said the signs were just one idea and one way to show that the township is proud of its residents and their accomplishments. “I’m proud to live in Howell Township,” he said. “I would like to see things that exemplify that.”
In addition to the signs Nicastro said they would also look at plantings that would make the town more appealing for those driving through. “We have some talented volunteers in this community that I’m sure will come up with some good suggestions of plants,” he said.
It was suggested by Mayor Walsh that groups like the Boy Scouts and local corporations would be excited to be a part of the program to help improve the overall look of the town.
The council will draw up a resolution that will be presented at a future meeting to allow the committee to do its work.
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