By Staff
Some question whether donated plants are trees or shrubs
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
What began as a nice gesture became a topic of controversy Wednesday.
Lindsey Griffin, owner of L.R. Griffin &Associates, Inc., a commercial landscaping company in Greenville, donated eight Crape Myrtles to the city of Washington to be planted between the former Maola Plant and the N.C. Estuarium. The planting of the shrubs at the specified location had been approved by the Washington City Council, but there were disagreements about whether Crape Myrtles are shrubs or trees.
The primary concern with the Crape Myrtles was their size.
One of those concerned was Washington Mayor Judy Meier Jennette. From the motion that the council approved, Jennette said she assumed that the shrubs would be much smaller.
The planting of the shrubs, which was scheduled for Wednesday morning, was put on hold so that the Washington City Council could deliberate on the situation.
There was some disagreement between council members during the deliberation.
The issue was eventually resolved, according to Smith.
The planting of the shrubs was approved, in part, because they were a “very generous donation,” according to Jennette.
Development between the former Maola Plant and the N.C. Estuarium has been a hot topic in Washington.
Jennette reaffirmed Smith’s statement.
Jennette was pleased with the new shrubs, but said she wants to make sure that any future work done to the area has the City Council’s approval.
The planting of the shrubs between the former Maola factory and the N.C. Estuarium was the second phase of a proposal that Griffin brought before the City Council. Griffin, who owns a commercial landscaping company, approached Jennette about making a significant donation to the waterfront.
Griffin, a resident of Greenville and owner of “Lrg Time,” a houseboat permanently docked on the Washington Waterfront, said he was unimpressed by the small trees that lined the promenade.
After meeting with Jennette, Griffin spoke with Smith regarding his idea.
Plans were set in place for the waterfront trees after the Washington City Council approved their planting.
Jennette was happy with the work done by Griffin on the waterfront.
The trees formerly lining the promenade were moved to the Washington Veteran’s Park on Third Street.
Unlike the trees lining the Washington Waterfront, the eight Crape Myrtles were donated in full by Griffin. Bud Brooks, owner of Brooks Construction, and employees Johnny Ayers, Jimmy Shed, John Carson and Mike Woolard volunteered to transplant the shrubs.
After much controversy, the shrubs were planted in a row along the side of the former Maola factory Wednesday afternoon.
An appreciation ceremony for Lindsey Griffin will be held at the Washington City Council’s regular meeting May 12.