Plymouth Approves 32-Foot Artificial Christmas Tree
Town Opts for Sustainable Option Amid Challenges in Obtaining Live Trees
PLYMOUTH - December 3 - Plymouth has installed a 32-foot artificial Christmas tree in front of Town Hall, funded by the Visitor Services Board (VSB). The decision comes as the town faces increasing difficulties in sourcing large live trees for the annual holiday display.
Town Manager Derek Brindisi announced the new tree during a Select Board meeting on Dec. 3. The artificial tree replaces the traditional live tree that has been a centerpiece of Plymouth's holiday celebrations for years.
"If you haven't had a chance to see it, it looks great. It really does," Brindisi said.
The switch to an artificial tree was championed by the VSB, which funded the purchase. VSB Chairman Steven Lydon addressed concerns raised by some residents about the change.
"Several years ago, Mr. Bubbins, in charge of the Parks Department, came to our committee and asked for an artificial tree, because it's so hard to get new ones," Lydon explained. "They spend hours and hours, you know, searching and contacting people. It's just too hard to get live Christmas trees."
Lydon emphasized the environmental benefits of the artificial tree. "We're supposed to be environmentally friendly. Sure, we'll go out and get a 40-foot tree. We'll bring it in here. We'll put it up for two weeks, and then we'll take it down and put it in the chipper," he said.
The new tree is part of a larger effort to enhance Plymouth's holiday decorations. Brindisi noted that lights have been added to the front of Town Hall, also funded by the VSB.
Plymouth's annual holiday celebration, now called "Light Up the Season," is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, from 4:30 to 8 p.m. The event will feature the lighting of both the Christmas tree and a menorah at 6 p.m.
In other news, major traffic improvements are set to begin this week at The Pinehills, a residential area that has faced significant congestion issues.
Brindisi outlined the planned infrastructure upgrades, which include widening Clark Road to add dedicated left turn lanes onto Pinehills Drive and Meeting Way. Two raised medians will be installed, and a fully signalized traffic light will be constructed at the intersection of Pinehills Drive and Clark Road.
"These traffic improvements, as you know, we've talked a lot about in previous meetings," Brindisi said. "The folks from Pinehills were asking for relief. I know that the Fire Chief has talked a lot about his concerns of apparatus getting out of Pinehills because of the traffic congestion."
The improvements are expected to address long-standing safety concerns and improve emergency vehicle access in the area.
Other announcements from the meeting included:
- A groundbreaking ceremony for the Jenny Pond dredging project on Dec. 5.
- A $740,000 grant for the restoration of 21 acres at the Kapell property.
- The retirement of Tim Balboni, the town's Highway Manager, after 27 years of service.
- The final master plan workshop focusing on economic development and public infrastructure, scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 7, at 6 p.m. at South Middle School.
The Select Board also discussed potential articles for the upcoming Annual Town Meeting, including a proposal to increase building height restrictions in industrial areas from 35 feet to 75 feet to promote economic development.
The board's next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 10 at 5 p.m., with the tax classification hearing and a potential update on the Pulte Homes 40B project on the agenda.