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CORTLANDT, N.Y. The Town of Cortlandt is turning to businesses, civic organizations and individuals to help beautify streetscapes. The town's Adopt-an-Island Program, announced Tuesday, encourages residents to beautify street islands or corners by maintaining them through the season.
"We want people to use their imagination to some degree," said Jeff Coleman, director of Cortlandt's Department of Environmental Services.
Coleman was first approached by Hudson River Landscaping owner Matthew Hoek, who wanted to replant and freshen up the corner of Maple Row and Crompond Road, Route 202.
"I grew up in the area, just down the street from that," Hoek said. "I guess at one point years back there was a company that went in and dressed it up, and they kind of just went and forgot about it."
Hoek, 31, said he has driven by the piece of property regularly for most of his life.
The program asks that participants purchase all necessary plants and mulch, that the organization be responsible for maintenance, including weeding and removing litter, and that plants not grow taller than 30 inches for safety reasons. In return, the town has promised to place a sign on the island, in recognition of the organization or individual's contribution to beautifying the town.
Hoek said by the end of the season, he will have invested less than $1,000, and besides beautifying the island, it was a nice bit of advertising for his company.
For more information on how to sign up for the Adopt-an-Island Program visit the Town of Cortlandt website.
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