Council considers beautification policy

Proposal grew out of uncertainty over how to handle flagpole request

City Council on Monday debated provisions of a proposed "beautification policy" that would set conditions for residents and organizations to make public improvements.

The multi-pronged proposal by Mayor Matt Pacifico and City Manager Marla Marcinko grew out of council's uncertainty last year about how to handle a Llyswen man's request to replace a large tree on a median near his house with a flagpole and a sapling.

The proposal would provide "a way for people to do projects so that we have oversight," Pacifico said.

An "Adopt-A-Spot" program would set rules for individuals and organizations to take responsibility for keeping an area that is often defaced with graffiti or polluted with trash clean for an indefinite period.

An Adopt-A-Median program would set rules for projects like installation of flagpoles, benches, planters, tables or trees or the painting of murals in medians and other city-owned areas -- rules that would be enforced through maintenance agreements between participants and the city.

Among the purposes of the Adopt-A-Median program, according to the Adopt-A-Median application: to "infuse the landscape of the city of Altoona with color, culture and creativity."

The program would require a city engineering review of project applications and a commitment from an organization to ensure that maintenance is long-term.

Applicants would need to sign a waiver of claims and provide plans -- including photos and a materials list.

The city would provide insurance.

The Adopt-A-Median program would allow for projects costing up to $10,000, with structures up to 36 feet, except for flag poles, trees and murals on existing walls.

On the suggestion of Marcinko, officials will seek to reactivate the city's Enhancement Committee to review the aesthetic qualities of such proposals.

The city created the Enhancement Committee years ago upon the suggestion of then-Mayor Tom Martin to help persuade PennDOT not to replace the well-liked metal-truss Seventh Street Bridge with a featureless concrete span like the current Eighth Street Bridge.

Martin succeeded, although the superstructure of the resulting new bridge is purely cosmetic.

The new Enhancement Committee should be comprised of design professionals, Marcinko said.

Some city officials were uncomfortable with last year's proposed Llyswen project because it would have involved cutting down a healthy tree and because initially, at least, there was a question about long-term maintenance -- although resident Dan Stuckey eventually said he'd secured a maintenance commitment from a Boy Scouts troop.

The Adopt-A-Spot program would apply to both public and private property, but would require applicants to obtain permission to access private property.

The city would lend hand tools like brooms, rakes and shovels to participants.

The city could revoke an Adopt-A-Spot agreement for failure to comply with the rules.

Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 949-7038.