Annapolis is in danger of
losing its renowned downtown flowers.
The Annapolis Business Association announced last week it
will cut funding for the program from $35,000 to $10,000
and redirect the monies for marketing downtown.
The group said it will yank all of its flower money if the
city or private sector doesn't kick in cash to fully fund
the $65,000 initiative.
"Because of the economy and competition, we're looking
at refocusing our efforts and our resources on the marketing
campaign," said Clare Vanderbeek, who has served as
the group's executive director for about a year.
But city officials balked at the idea of contributing more
taxpayers dollars than the $30,000 they ponied up last year.
"We're not going to take over the program," Mayor
Ellen O. Moyer said. "For whatever reason they have
decided it is not a business enhancement. So be it."
Since 1999, the Annapolis Business Association has hired
Homestead Gardens to adorn the Historic District with flower
baskets on Main Street, Maryland Avenue and Church Circle
among other city thoroughfares. Hung from lampposts between
Commissioning Week in the spring through the Annapolis Boat
Shows in the fall, the once controversial program has been
hailed as one of the finest urban beautification programs
in the country.
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