By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

NAPLES — If a tall pine tree blows down, plant a different species in its place.

This past spring, Naples lost the towering pines that made a statement at the entrance onto the village green. When a March wind gust toppled one pine and led to the discovery that the other trees lacked a root system, the townspeople lost a viewscape in one week.

Instead of pining over the pines, citizens brought forward ideas of what could be planted at the Village Green, not just trees but granite benches and places for a community to spend time. Why not put in an irrigation system to protect what is planted there?

On Monday, a completed artist’s rendering of proposed improvements to the Naples Village Green and the Singer Center got its debut. The cost estimate is $123,000; and that number includes the cost of granite that might be acquired for free during the Edes Falls dam removal project. 

The price tag will be reduced after applying a $10,000 grant to the storm-water drainage piece. Plus, much of the cost can be covered by TIF funds, according to the town manager.

The Naples Land Use Committee (NLUC), which was tasked with coming up with a plan and costs associated with the village green upgrades, hired land architect Ryan Russell.

On Monday, Russell presented the proposed improvements during the first Naples Select Board meeting of 2024.

The land-use committee composed a letter to the board beforehand, asking the elected officials to support this project.

“The redesigned village green offers a versatile canvas for a myriad of community uses. From hosting cultural events and farmers’ markets to providing a serene space for relaxation and recreation, the possibilities are diverse. Picture community gatherings, outdoor concerts, and art exhibitions that bring residents together, fostering a stronger sense of unity. Additionally, the green could incorporate sustainable features, like community gardens or educational spaces, promoting environmental awareness and engagement. The potential uses extend beyond leisure, aiming to cultivate a dynamic hub that accommodates the varied interests and needs of our community,” the committee’s letter said.

Co-chairperson Kathy Keinath spoke prior to introducing Russell.

“Based on the comprehensive plan and  public comment, we know that the village green is considered one of our most valuable resources. We are asking you to reinvest in the village area as the heart of our  community by preserving and creating a mixed-use pedestrian friendly open area that includes landscaping and other amenities, which will enhance the livability of the space,” Keinath said.

Russell said the plan was a multi-phase project so not all the costs would happen at once.

“The projects got a $10,000 grant for the drains. There is a design that has been done. That is going to happen. It’s paid for. The initial phase of the work is already happening and in the works,” Russell said.

There was some dialogue about irrigation, and whether or not the town office well could handle the usage. People said the watering could occur when town hall was closed. Town manager Rogers said he would have the well capacity checked. 

The placement of a new Christmas tree was also discussed.

“We can make a big statement using a Christmas tree that is out in the woods there,” Russell said, referring to trees behind the playground.

Naples Town Manager Jason Rogers shared what had been research about transplanting trees.

“There is a 50 percent chance of a transplant making it. Using a tree on town property is one-quarter the cost of buying a tree from a nursery. It is good use of money to relocate a tree that town already has. If two or three years down the road, it doesn’t make it, we’ve spent less money than buying one,” Roger said. 

Following the presentation, Chairperson Ted Shane asked if the entire budget was going to be requested.

Rogers responded.

“We have an opportunity to bring it before the budget committee and have it approved. We could have a special town meeting, and use TIF fund to pay for it. It could be TIF approved,” he said.

Additionally, money ($87,000) for an irrigation system there is already money in the existing maintenance department budget, Rogers said.

Selling pavers is one way to raise funds for the on-going beautification project, Russell said.

“We have pavers that can be donated in the name of a community member. There’s a space in front of Christmas tree for pavers,” he said.  “Engraved pavers are a good way to allow funding, embracement of the project for people who are invested in the town. It’s a way to bring town excitement into this as well.”

The village green improvement project has been a collaborative and community-wide project, Keinath pointed out.

“I would like to thank Jason our town manager, and Steve Merkle head of our maintenance department. They were never too busy to answer a question or come to a meeting,” Keinath said. “Thank you also to Paula Miller and Town Clerk Michelle Thibodeau and her team for their behind-the-scenes support.”

 “I’d like to extend gratitude to the dedicated parks and land use committee for their valuable contributions to this project. Their  unwavering commitment, thoughtful insights, and collaborative spirit was instrumental in shaping this community space. Thank you, Caleb Humphrey, David Garcia, Holly Jilek, Arleen Shepherd, Tracy Hoyt, and Penn Worcester,” she said.