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SALT LAKE CITY -- The rain has helped Salt Lake stay green, but that's about the only color people see. Budget cuts eliminated funds for flowers around the city.
Mandi Burwell's family has owned Utah Book and Magazine in Salt Lake City's central business district for years. Several flower boxes, planters and trees line the sidewalk outside. Burwell says when she was younger, Main Street never used to look this nice.
"I remember there were more transients and homeless people, there was a lot of trash, it just never was as clean," she said. "They didn't have this kind of sidewalk. It has improved. I think the beds are beautiful."
Burwell says the flowers and trees may or may not bring people into her store, but she does see that they make the outdoor cafes more comfortable.
"It may attract people, just because of the appearance," she said.
She would love to see the flowers stay if they can. Mayor Ralph Becker's budget calls for cutting them to help with the $19 million budget hole, but the city council hopes to find a way to keep funding them.
The city council will meet Tuesday night to possibly restore $230,000 to keep roses and other flowers at places like the International Peace Gardens, Liberty Park, Washington Square and the monument plaza in Sugarhouse.
E-mail: mrichards@ksl.com
