Rotary Club, Benicia Main Street and City Team Up to try Hanging Basket Program for First Street

On Tuesday morning, April 24, city workers from the Parks and Community Services Department hoisted two sets of hanging baskets on First Street, following earlier bracket installation by City Public Works crews.

, Benicia's acting Economic Development Manager said in a release that the two sets of four baskets located at 370 First Street and adjacent 828 First Street are part of a pilot program designed to measure the longevity and compatibility of the basket’s plant material with the climate on First Street.

“Water and wind. Those are the variables for which staff is evaluating. We want to observe how the plant material sustains against the wind that we experience on First Street.” Said Parks and Community Services Supervisor Theron Jones.

According to Guiliani's statement, the pilot program will run for a period of six months, concluding in October. After the pilot program concludes City staff will evaluate the results and at that time be able to definitively state if hanging baskets are a feasible option to beautify First Street.

If downtown merchants decide to create a business imporovement district, the hanging baskets could be funded with proceeds from the district.  

The brackets for the two sets of lamp posts were fabricated by Benicia company C.E. Toland & Son. The Rotary Club of Benicia has sponsored this project and will fund the costs for the brackets and baskets. Business owners Maryellen Hayes who owns the and , owner of have volunteered to water the baskets adjacent their businesses.

"Just like the news from yesterday , this is another example of the Benicia community coming together to improve our quality of life," said Giuliani.  "This is City government, two nonprofit organizations and Benicia businesses working together for the common good. The pilot program itself is modest, but it symbolizes Benicia’s potential and a reminder of possibilities when people work together."

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If there’s something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor JB Davis at 707-628-0051 or email him at benicia@patch.com.