FARMINGTON – Concerns have arisen over large concrete tree planters placed at an intersection to beautify the downtown.

Selectmen’s Chairwoman Mary Wright has asked that the planters be brought up on the board’s agenda at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Municipal Building.

Wright, who opposed the planters previously, said she has received so many comments on the planters that the issue should be brought up again.

“Not that I’m for, not that I’m against,” Wright said, but there are some concerns that need to be discussed.

Each of the six 6-foot square planters contains a Japanese lilac tree, which is expected to grow to 25 feet, and smaller plantings.

The planters were placed in no parking zones, most at the intersection of Broadway and Main Street.

The town received a Department of Transportation grant for the project.

The town’s Conservation Commission applied for the grant with selectmen’s approval, ordered the trees and planters and finally did the planting last month.

Initially, the commission wanted to put a larger number of planters in the sidewalks, but then there were wires running underneath the pavement and snow removal was a concern. The commission finally devised a plan they thought would work and won approval from the majority of the selectmen.

Among the concerns, Wright said, are:

• The recommended no parking so-called zebra zones were put in so nothing would go there.

• A youngster or person in a wheelchair crossing the street couldn’t be seen – “a complete safety issue.”

• People who are used to driving into a parking space at certain places now are faced with parallel parking.

• The size of the gray cement planters is overwhelming.

There are also concerns about trucks going around the planters particularly in the winter, she said.

Some people don’t speak up until after something happens, Wright said.

“There are all sorts of comments that should be addressed,” Wright said. “I’ve heard the comment that I’m against trees. I started the tree fund in Farmington. I put several hundred dollars into it. I don’t care about the recognition. I do care about trees.”

Town Manager Richard Davis said Bobbie Hanstein, chairman of the commission, has collected letters of support and plans to present them at the selectmen’s meeting.

Davis also said the Downtown Business & Professional Association plans to discuss the planters Tuesday at its meeting.

dperry@sunjournal.com

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