The Downtown Development Authority is so jazzed about the improvement around Woodland Park due to the mini-grant program, the members voted to continue it next year.

But the board rejected Al Born’s suggestion to double the maximum amount of $5,000.

“I think the $5,000 really spurred more than $5,000,” said George Jones, the city council’s liaison to the DDA board, speaking at the meeting Oct. 7. “The $5,000 seemed to push people along but $10,000 seems like too much oversight.”

Indeed, businesses that added flowerpots to their exteriors have generated positive responses from the public.

Last month, DDA chair Jon Gemelke proposed building a greenhouse and hiring gardeners to grow flowers. The idea sparked controversy among the members.

“I have a great deal of squishiness about the greenhouse,” Born said, adding that he spent two years taking care of a greenhouse. “There is a great deal of expense in maintaining it in a warmer climate. You worry about humidity and the impact of bugs.”

Nonetheless, the city approved $250,000 for the beautification project to include a greenhouse, labor, flowers and materials, said Aaron Vassalotti, Woodland Park city manager.

“We’ll have to go out for RFPs, requests-for-proposals,” Vassalotti said.

Born suggested finding a greenhouse and a contractor to plant and maintain the structure.

Gemelke, who owns the building where Miss Priss and Java Haus are, has pushed the program and waters daily the flowerpots on his building.

“The city is willing to make this happen and they’re willing to take care of a greenhouse,” Gemelke said. “I feel that we have a lot to do to make our town a little bit more attractive.”

Sarah Salazar agreed.

“Let’s focus on the goal, that we want to beautify and bring pride to Woodland Park,” she said. “We know that Tava House is coming; people are taking pictures, it’s all over the Internet and establishing new standards for Woodland Park, so let’s not let the greenhouse get in the way of getting the flowers here.”

As a result, the board agreed to allocate $250,000 for beautification and delay the decision on the greenhouse.

“The microgrant grant program is a positive thing that has occurred in our community,” Born said.

The Tava House steakhouse restaurant is moving along with builders concentrating on finishing the interior, said Mark Weaver, spokesperson for the Tava House Investors.