Ithaca's Beautification Brigade: TEXT AND PHOTOS BY CHRYS GAMMER

摘要

Think back to the last time you traveled to a different city or town Did you notice plantings, hanging baskets, or window boxes that added to the beauty and charm of the environment7 Were visitors' attractions well marked and easy to find7 Did the appearance of the area affect the quality of your visit, and would you consider returning for another visit. These are issues that cities and towns everywhere struggle with as local budgets are pared down and non-essential services, such as municipal landscaping, are reduced or eliminated entirely Yet the visual quality of an area can have a big impact on tounsm, which in turn helps to support city budgets through sales tax revenues brought in by hotels, restaurants, shops, and visitors' attractions.