[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6509218,"mediaKeyId","5442599-62a7776edb919e9cf17f1593b946e611","parentId",5442599,"title","Commission hears detailed proposal to remove and replace 140 Bradford pear trees; seeks funding and volunteer options","audioSeconds",412,"startMs",1652000,"endMs",2064000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442599-62a7776edb919e9cf17f1593b946e611&start=1652&end=2064","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442599-62a7776edb919e9cf17f1593b946e611/thumbnail_1652000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6509218/Huber-Heights/Montgomery-County/Ohio/Commission-hears-detailed-proposal-to-remove-and-replace-140-Bradford-pear-trees-seeks-funding-and-volunteer-options","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509218-6c5f55f2fe1ffa5099ff876f8802fa32/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447757&Signature=K-U~OaDz~D2p2BXCGL~ZbxunRC2AeXvvLaOdWSbo~wLcAzuLTcEFljawVg9lQq3b0LA3ibvU2H1N5WETO01~qkKWMrDqAOG-nm8f24r4THLfcYOyuAuoqaT3LPZ6FTsCmcJuD7P8ehwYHDFZHkED8EsdQIK9m5hptnWSufhJlu134~WUllkCIEbUdPsXgZARN44IPLVawYZI72762-xRg-0w7ONInEWxU8ZpVOXWLdQLeeFum2MadiNyjlIqv9bl4-c5XetekHQfnveSPb-P8hmZWpFZwhY3uM~GJ2G43mcY2rE61IAdgF-37sK9e-UnGvGYnNWTJoaKdYeiTZql9A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Huber Heights","date","2025-07-21T00:00:00Z","article","Huber Heights Parks seasonal employee Hannah Fee presented a detailed, two-phase proposal to remove and replace an estimated 140 Bradford pear (Callery pear) trees on public property and replace them with native alternatives; the commission discussed contractor timelines, volunteer participation and grant or donation options.

Why it matters: The presenter said Bradford pears are invasive and structurally weak, and that replacing them would support local ecology, pollinators and reduce storm-related maintenance costs. Fee said the state of Ohio banned the sale and planting of Bradford pears as of January 2023 and reported the city currently has about 140 Bradford pears in public spaces.

Proposal details
Fee outlined two phases: (1) contractor removal of the existing Bradford pears to ensure safety and efficiency; (2) replacement plantings done either by contractors or through community volunteer plantings. She said she and Chair Sarah Chapman are pursuing donations and grant options to reduce local costs and proposed splitting project funding evenly between the Arts & Beautification Commission and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Cost and timing
Fee provided removal and replacement cost estimates in a handout to the commission and said one contractor estimated that a full removal project could take roughly three weeks, depending on contractor selection and scope. She proposed beginning replacement work in spring 2026 to allow for sapling establishment and community involvement. Fee said alternative timelines — staged plantings over several years — also remain under consideration.

Community engagement and partners
Fee recommended recruiting high-school biology students, Future Farmers of America or other youth groups for volunteer planting events and said the volunteer model could also serve as a public-education opportunity. She referenced Licking County as an example of a jurisdiction that has used volunteer tree-planting programs.

Questions and clarifications from commissioners focused on where trees are located (public vs. private property), whether private-property owners could be incentivized to remove Bradford pears and whether donated nursery stock or in-kind support from organizations such as the Arbor Society might be available. Fee said she has not yet reached out to the Arbor Society but welcomed those leads.

Next steps
Commissioners did not vote on funding at the meeting. Staff and proponents will pursue grant and donation opportunities, refine contractor estimates, confirm which trees are on public land and return to the commission with a phased calendar and detailed budget for formal consideration.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Huber Heights - Arts and Beautification Commission - Jul 21, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","A parks seasonal employee proposed a two-phase plan to remove 140 Bradford pear street and park trees and replace them with native alternatives, seeking shared funding and volunteer involvement beginning in 2026.","taxTitle","Huber Heights, Montgomery County, Ohio","taxId",55050,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509224,"Arts & Beautification commission hosts Shark Tank-style pitches; commissioners signal informal support for multiple arts projects",2267,509000,2776000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442599-62a7776edb919e9cf17f1593b946e611&start=509&end=2776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442599-62a7776edb919e9cf17f1593b946e611/thumbnail_509000.jpg","/articles/6509224/Huber-Heights/Montgomery-County/Ohio/Arts-Beautification-commission-hosts-Shark-Tank-style-pitches-commissioners-signal-informal-support-for-multiple-arts-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509224-d53cb8d6c174ddfed1a8e45c25893137/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447757&Signature=ElZQGFs1W7oECzLHFzclUfhviWGEMtjSq-wRLiyeXq2YFHelom3DllTzObGkI2-M78nwcmUZ26m40tWM~oJ08SttQZHK6MHe1vWCGWWdczsYU0YpItXmjj~T3JrK1XcWXmWgPs-sre9X9cgow83i3uViWaDiviPa4Mr35rffvMpHwHawz5-h4eTDvgIVlhZsb23pPe96kHXmMepavz-wixZ4AYzfgLMO9MXUNSz52lTV6WaYd-oo~-rtE6n6tjkhacuVKMjCvMUc7zCovVds7zea9rCHinCDk79EzJTueXeIM~Be18gNO4ec6FLMhu5pANvtp~kLqDhcWTedblQVrQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Huber Heights’ Arts & Beautification Commission heard a series of Shark Tank-style pitches on a range of arts and beautification projects and recorded informal “investment” pledges and enthusiastic support; the commission did not take formal funding votes at the meeting and will review formal commitments at its next scheduled meeting in August.

Why it matters: Several proposals aim to create visible public art, expand volunteer engagement, and connect local businesses and artists to city events. The projects — if adopted and funded — would shape public appearance, volunteer activities and event marketing in 2026.

Chair Sarah Chapman opened the commission’s Shark Tank segment and outlined rules for pitches: three minutes per presenter, up to two minutes for commissioner questions, and no formal votes that night. Chapman asked commissioners to act as “investors” who could place limited, informal pledges of support.

Notable pitches and reactions
- Marigold planter program: Chapman proposed matching local artists with businesses to decorate large planters filled with marigolds. She said an initial budget of about $2,000 would pay for five to 10 large terracotta-style planters. Commissioners asked about maintenance and winter storage; Chapman said businesses would likely be responsible for seasonal care and the commission could consider adding art-supply funds. Several commissioners made informal enthusiasm pledges and at least one commissioner offered a $5,000 commitment toward beautification projects during the discussion.

- Community band: Commissioner Melissa Gwen proposed forming a community concert band (adults and older teens), suggested recruiting a volunteer band director and tapping high school alumni and band programs. Gwen described modest start-up needs (music stands and a small director stipend) and said venues could include Eckelburg and community events. Commissioners responded positively and made informal pledges of support.

- Art exhibits and art league: Gwen also proposed establishing a Huber Heights art league and purchasing foldable display grids to host more professional adult exhibitions; she suggested categories, judges or people’s-choice awards and modest ribbons and refreshment costs to run shows.

- Mosaic and public-art proposals: The Mosaic Institute (proposal submitted late by Jess McMillan) offered a community mosaic piece and a tile-placement public event; the group’s budget estimate in the proposal was $10,000, including artist facilitation and community participation. Parks Manager Sarah Forsyth asked the commission whether they would champion such a public-art installation as part of 2026 commemorations.

- Time capsule: Commissioner Mason Knickerbocker proposed a time capsule to mark the nation’s semiquincentennial and Huber Heights’ anniversaries, citing capsule costs ranging from roughly $640 to $2,200 for commercially made, weatherproof units and suggesting a total project budget “no more than $2,000” for a modest installation; one commissioner later offered an informal $20,000 pledge toward the time capsule and related semi-quincentennial activities.

- Metal sculpture(s): Parks Manager Sarah Forsyth proposed purchasing one of a metal sculptor’s pieces (dog-themed sculptures were shown) and requested a $10,000 budget to buy, ship and install a piece in a park, suggesting the dog park as an initial site.

- Merchandise and event shirts: Sarah Forsyth also proposed hiring a professional artist to design collectible T-shirts for major events (Star Spangled Heights, holiday event) and suggested distributing shirts to volunteers with the option to sell extra shirts to recoup costs.

- Transformer wraps and painted fire hydrants: Commissioner Melissa Gwen suggested decorative weather-resistant wraps for electrical/utility boxes and painting fire hydrants; commissioners noted coordination would be needed with utilities and the fire department for approvals.

Process and next steps
The commission repeatedly emphasized that tonight’s commitments were informal. Sarah Chapman said staff would compile the pitches and the commission would schedule a formal vote and calendar review in August that would specify funding requests to bring to city council. Commissioners asked staff to return with cost estimates, timing and any needed interdepartmental approvals (public works, utilities, fire department).","Commissioners heard pitches ranging from marigold planters and an art league to t-shirt designs and transformer wraps; no formal funding votes were taken, but commissioners made informal enthusiasm pledges and asked staff to follow up for August.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509228,"Arts & Beautification Commission approves seasonal awards; minutes adopted",126,81000,207000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5442599-62a7776edb919e9cf17f1593b946e611&start=81&end=207","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5442599-62a7776edb919e9cf17f1593b946e611/thumbnail_81000.jpg","/articles/6509228/Huber-Heights/Montgomery-County/Ohio/Arts-Beautification-Commission-approves-seasonal-awards-minutes-adopted","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509228-baf0f91f29a10a585d927aa54cf18440/orig.mp4?Expires=1770447757&Signature=oC-e~nAqY~d6x0f8JkaY3cKzNxsp5OI4WDp7NAaS8ShfVOeC0ErcR4Y1iVdizVzNPJ7LPRfDkPnwrh3AeEnvSRGGy0Hge66Pce6HMxNo72-gK0ImXoikpy-Oz0NNLV~dEsoIvywaUoU-8my56ok6-ZYE25GRM6-kpnVllpaayisrkNfMfBW1juL0hWuCKqJ9BHb-114qaV9BFe4YfiIHNUPiV3ASLLmcOXxrgLN1fLHu49D-kv~uih3kN5OdEfwR5gkFYKEPAJWVcrlV~LAHNX1MdGUSqq~C27C-HQYwJMV20Amm-ruM3tEhJIdKM9jIWGZ3cSNRHWzo2gVJV752NQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Huber Heights Arts & Beautification Commission voted unanimously to finalize its 2024 beautification awards and approved minutes from its previous meeting.

The commission, chaired by Sarah Chapman, confirmed winners the commission recommended after reviewing nominations from Parks and Recreation staff. Chapman called for a motion to make the awards official; Commissioner Cheryl Brandenburg moved the motion, Greg Fox seconded and the vote passed unanimously.

Why it matters: The awards formalize outreach and recognition the commission has promoted across the city and set a logistics plan for sign delivery and a presentation at a council meeting.

The commission recorded that this year it received 30 submissions and 29 nominated addresses, per Chapman’s report to the group. Winners announced during the meeting included a best small business at 7505 Taylorsville Road, a best large business at 7582 Old Troy Pike, and the Historical Huber award at 8120 Bellefontaine. Other categories named included a pollinator-friendly address at 5312 Pitcairn Road and several nominee signs that will be retained for future use.

Commissioners discussed how awards will be delivered and displayed. Cheryl Forsyth, the Parks and Recreation representative, said staff could collect nominee signs and assist with deliveries; the commission agreed that staff would replace nominees’ signs with permanent award signage for winners while nominees would keep their nomination signs for reuse next year.

The commission also approved the minutes from the prior meeting. The motion to approve the minutes was moved (mover not specified in the record) and seconded by Mason Knickerbocker; the motion carried with an affirmative voice vote.

What’s next: Staff will contact award recipients to schedule delivery and invite winners to receive awards at a future council meeting. The commission said it will record the delivery plan in the minutes and return in August to take any additional formal votes on projects discussed during the meeting.","The Huber Heights Arts & Beautification Commission voted unanimously to make its 2024 beautification award selections official and approved minutes from the previous meeting.","actionData","errors"]

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Commission hears detailed proposal to remove and replace 140 Bradford pear trees; seeks funding and volunteer options

Arts & Beautification commission hosts Shark Tank-style pitches; commissioners signal informal support for multiple arts projects

Arts & Beautification Commission approves seasonal awards; minutes adopted