The city of Olean and the Olean Beautification Committee announced Friday that new shrubs and flowering plants have been planted in the North Union Street median from Hamilton Street to Sullivan Street.

The plantings were funded through a grant from the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation to the Beautification Committee’s Beautiful Olean Fund.

“Last summer the beautiful Tesselaar roses that enhanced the median were diagnosed with rose rosette disease. Unfortunately, there is no treatment and the recommendation to stop the spread was to remove the diseased roses,” says John Balacki, vice chairmen of the Beautification Committee. “It was also recommended that we refrain from replanting roses until 2026, so we went to work to find replacements.”

Danielle Eaton, chair of the committee, adds, “John Balacki, Laurie McCarthy and the late Kathy Marzec were appointed to redesign the median. The plants chosen include varieties of diervilla, hydrangea, holly and weigela.

“When established, this planting will provide four seasons of color and beauty,” Eaton says. “Plus, they left room to add roses next year, which will create a strikingly impressive median.”

The committee thanks the Olean Water Plant for facilitating storage of the plants and the city crew who installed them and are watering them through the current hot weather, Eaton says.

“We are especially very grateful to the Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation for providing the funding for this endeavor,” she adds.

Mayor Bill Aiello points out that the Olean Beautification Committee dedicates numerous hours, in the boardroom — and on their hands and knees in the gardens.

“Every summer we get to enjoy the fruits of their labors and that of the group of volunteers they recruit to keep the gardens blooming,” the mayor says. “The committee is always looking for more volunteers. Please give my office a call if you would like to help out.”

Aiello also thanked CRCF as its staff has provided the committee with both funding as well and guidance.

The committee has established the Beautiful Olean Fund (BOF) with CRCF. The Beautiful Olean Fund will help assist in the upkeep and maintenance of the public gardens in the city.

For more information about BOF, contact the foundation at (716) 372- 2723, email foundation@cattfoundation.org or visit cattfoundation.org.