ATTLEBORO - Things aren't looking good for the city budget in these hard economic times, but the city itself could start to shine if the city council's adopt-a-spot beautification law is passed.

Under the proposal by Councilor Brian Kirby and scheduled for a public hearing next month, members of the community, whether individuals, businesses or some other group, can apply to adopt-a-spot with the promise to keep it neat and clean or improve it with flowers or other plantings.

The program was proposed because a number of people and organizations have expressed an interest in volunteering to keep their corners of the city pretty, and they're apparently ready to get to work, said Councilor Bill Bergevine, whose city development committee is charged with bringing the program to a vote.

"I hear they're chomping at the bit," he said.

Adopters could take charge of virtually anything, from traffic islands to sections of sidewalks to corners of parks and other public places. They would be allowed to place a small city-designed sign emblazoned with their name on the plot they maintain. Anyone approved for an adoption would be solely liable for their own safety while working on the site and would have to provide all their own tools and other supplies.

The applications have to be approved by the mayor and the work would be monitored by various department heads.

The hearing will be held in city hall at 7 p.m. on April 21.