Community News

     The Oswego Renaissance Association (ORA) is pleased to announce that Novelis Oswego will donate nearly $25,000 to fund the planting of 60 trees in highly visible parts of the Oswego community later this month.

     The trees will be planted along the West Bridge Street corridor as part of the Oswego Renaissance Association's revitalization work in the City of Oswego.
     In addition to the donation, Novelis Oswego employees will be planting the trees alongside volunteers from the city of Oswego, the Oswego Tree Stewards, Trees for Vets, Oswego DPW and SUNY Oswego students among others.
     "Our Novelis colleagues around the globe will be committing time, energy and resources to their local communities during the company's Month of Service in October," said Chris Smith, Novelis Oswego plant manager. "We are excited to work closely with Oswego Renaissance Association and other members of the community to help revitalize the area."
     "Trees will be planted in high need, high visibility areas along the West Bridge Street corridor," said Phil MacArthur, founder of the Oswego Tree Stewards. "They will provide a 200-year improvement in the visual impact, air cleansing, storm water handling capacity, reduction of the city 'heat island' effect, improvement in property value and the many social and tourism aspects of a solid tree canopy."
     "This is more than just planting trees," ORA Director Paul Stewart explained. "This is also about reconnecting people and building community. This is a win-win for the community and all involved."
     The ORA promotes the "Healthy Neighborhood Approach" to neighborhood and community revitalization, which is a market-based approach that builds on strengths.
     Steven Phillips, an ORA resident leader and coordinator for this project stated, "There is that old saying; 'You only get one chance to make a first impression.' This project will improve the first and lasting impressions people get entering our city from the West allowing us to compete better for new residents and businesses."
     "Our community is beginning a steady rebirth," Stewart said. "You can see this in many places, in neighborhoods, in downtown. Many of our neighborhoods and business districts are beginning to demonstrate that our community is 'invested,' it encourages additional new investment. The Tree Canopy Project will be a visual signal that our community is invested and continues to re-invest."
     "I want to thank Novelis for their wonderful gift to our community," said Oswego Mayor Thomas Gillen. "This is a solution that will benefit our city now and for generations to come. And I want to applaud the community engagement demonstrated by the Oswego Renaissance Association along with other businesses and citizens throughout our city. It is real and it is palpable. Together, we are making a difference and this is just the beginning."
     The Tree Canopy Project compliments the established "Trees for Vets Program." The donated trees will be available to dedicate to individual veterans. To dedicate a tree in the memory of a veteran, contact 342-5262.
     Another component will be an Adopt-a-Tree. After the trees have been planted, businesses and individuals can pledge to "adopt" a tree(s). They would pledge to water and care for the tree(s) increasing the odds of each new tree's survival.
     To get involved or for more information contact The Oswego Renaissance Association via their website; www.Oswegonyonline.com or by calling 315-439-2040.