New York City’s tree sweaters to stay in place

NEW YORK – The New York City Parks Department says a cluster of trees in a Manhattan neighbourhood can keep their crocheted sweaters.

The Parks Department says it has reversed a prior decision to remove the trees’ sweaters after residents of the West Village neighbourhood told The New York Post that the colorful threads on about two dozen neighbourhood trees increased business and foot traffic.

Parks spokesman Sam Biederman says the department had a change of heart and the sweaters will not be removed by officials.

Local business owner Holly Boardman installed the sweaters last Thanksgiving in order to beautify the neighbourhood street.