Council hears downtown cleanup plan, ODOT to replace worst ADA-adjacent trees next summer

Newberg city staff told the council on April 21 that a coordinated downtown cleanup plan will rely on a mix of city work, volunteer activity and a forthcoming Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) ADA-ramp project to address failing trees, broken sidewalk grades and worn signage.

The plan matters because several trees and sidewalk conditions in the downtown couplet have grown unsafe, several signs are owned by ODOT, and the city said improvements are necessary for pedestrian safety, ADA compliance and downtown economic vitality.

Public works staff and the city manager described steps already taken and next steps. The city has completed a photographic survey of failing signs, a walking inventory of downtown trees and a plan called “Operation Curb Appeal.” The city will replace a small number of missing street trees this summer and expects ODOT to handle the worst trees and ADA ramp replacements in next summer’s construction cycle after ODOT incorporates the work into its ADA plans.

“We're going to live with them for a year in those capacities, but then they're going to take care of the worst trees, actually, the offenders out there,” said the Director for Public Works (identified in the meeting as Mr. Thomas). He described the most damaged trees as grafted pear varieties whose rootstock has produced multiple shoots and destabilized sidewalks; the city has identified 58 downtown trees for ongoing management and phased replacement.

City staff also reported plans to add three solar lights in the Second Street parking lot to improve nighttime visibility; the units are programmable for motion-activated operation and are rated for winter conditions, staff said. The city is soliciting landscaping contractors to adopt care of the Waterwise Garden in exchange for marketing recognition and plans volunteer cleanups and façade-painting assistance for building owners.

Sign replacements were discussed at length because ODOT owns many downtown signs. Will (city manager) and public works staff said ODOT's local maintenance personnel are cooperative, but ODOT's funding limits mean the city may pay to replace signs on existing poles if ODOT will provide written permission. “ODOT owns the signs and they have told me straight to my face that they will not replace them because of a lack of money,” a city staff member said; councilors and staff discussed securing formal permission from ODOT before the city orders replacements.

Councilors asked about timing. Staff said they have received 90% design plans for ODOT’s ADA ramp project and expect the downtown segment of ODOT work next summer. Meanwhile the city will do targeted grading and minor repairs this summer and will replant trees in fall when survivability is best.

The discussion also included outreach and partnerships: the city’s plan calls for continued coordination with Chehalem Park & Rec (CPRD) to realign a trail so a crosswalk can be installed at Brucher and Fernwood if both entities agree on design and cost-sharing.

Staff emphasized that some items will wait until ODOT’s project, and others will move ahead this summer. Councilors expressed support for the plan and for continued outreach to property owners and local partners.

A follow-up: staff committed to return to council with progress updates, ODOT responses and a proposed schedule for sign replacements and tree work.