Verona Revitalization—New Trees, More Grant Money

Work toward Verona's business district revitalization is under way, and it seems as though the borough might have more money to spend on the project.

The improvement plan for the borough's streetscape project includes 46 lights and landscaping along Allegheny River Boulevard; Center, South and East Railroad avenues; and James Street.

Earlier this week, Mike Vento, the architecture and design chair for the Verona Business District Advisory Committee, said it looks as though the borough will receive a $150,000 county grant with a 15 percent match.

The borough already has received a $143,000 grant through the county's Community Development Block Grant program. Verona Borough must contribute an extra $21,485 in cash or in-kind services.

Vento said VBDAC members are looking into using the borough's existing light stands to hold the new lights. If it's possible, he said it could amount to a potential savings of $70,000.

"It's worth a try," he said.

About 17 trees—among the species are Elms, Cherry Plums and Japanese Lilacs—will be provided and planted by TreeVitalize, a broad-based public-private partnership created to increase public awareness of the importance of community trees, and to reverse the loss of tree cover in the state’s metropolitan areas.

Last weekend, crews removed the existing trees in the Allegheny River Boulevard business district from Wildwood to Center Avenues. The new trees will be planted beginning April 6.

The old borough trees currently are places on the far end of the parklet near the borough building. Officials said anyone who wants them, can take them for free.

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