PARIS – A public meeting to discuss the future look of the Paris Hill common will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, June 24, at the First Baptist Church of Paris.

Fifty maple trees in the picturesque common area are in such poor condition that they must be cut down, prompting residents to think about the area’s future.

Residents of Paris Hill and others are encouraged to attend and share their thoughts, visions and expertise.

The common is owned by the church, but trustees have always encouraged people to use it. Since the Baptist church was built in 1803, this piece of land has been set aside for church and town use. After the original church deteriorated, the present one was built in 1838.

The land use has varied over the years, sporting tennis courts and a baseball field in the once heavily wooded area.

The meeting is sponsored by a committee with members from both the church and the town.