Tough Decision Ahead in Downtown Du Quoin

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[A year from now, $800,000 worth of work begins to reconstruct all of the sidewalks in downtown Du Quoin. Part of that decision will involve whether the beautiful Bradford pear trees planted during the Armstrong administration will stay, go or be replaced by other varieties. Mayor John Rednour broached the subject at the close of Monday night's city council meeting.

The photograph taken at daybreak this morning shows the trees and lighted lamp posts lining the south side of downtown Du Quoin. Rednour said it "will break my heart" to see the trees taken down if the decision is made to do that. He discounted criticism of the trees as blocking storefronts and sidewalks cracking in two places. He polled the council at the conclusion of his remarks. Commissioners were divided on the issue, but all were sincere in trying to reach the right decision. Comments ranged from they are old and overgrown and blocking storefronts with birds making a mess downtown to "I like the look."

Other commissioners say the city should look at replacing them with another variety. Rednour said if the trees are replaced, it will take 20 years for them to become as beautiful as they are now.