Commission grants certificate of appropriateness for 33 North Gould with conditions: replace barberry, consider extra lilac

The Bexley Tree and Public Gardens Commission on June 18 recommended approval for the landscape plan at 33 North Gould (applicant Lori Kaltnecker), with two conditions: replace the proposed Japanese barberry plantings with a noninvasive alternative and consider planting an additional Japanese tree lilac on the north side of the driveway if utilities permit. Walter Raines, the commission’s landscape consultant, described the property as a relatively small front yard with limited planting room and said the proposed mix of shrubs and a Japanese tree lilac was appropriate for scale. He also noted that the public right‑of‑way behind the sidewalk is small and likely cannot accommodate standard street trees. During public review the applicant stated she would be open to adding a small tree on the opposite side of the driveway if it does not conflict with utilities. Commissioners raised the Japanese barberry (crimson pygmy barberry) as a concern because state and regional guides list barberry as invasive or potentially invasive; a motion to approve the plan that required replacing the barberry with a noninvasive alternative was made and seconded and carried after discussion. Motion and conditions: the motion approved the certificate of appropriateness with these conditions: (1) the barberry be replaced with a noninvasive species, at the homeowner’s discretion in consultation with the landscape contractor; (2) add an additional Japanese tree lilac to the north side of the driveway if plantings would not interfere with utilities. Staff noted that final planting specifications will be consistent with applicable city planting standards and utility clearances. Timing: the applicant said initial work is planned in phases and some elements may be implemented later in the year; staff confirmed applicants may request standard extensions for phased installation under city procedures.