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Council approves street tree agreements for South Main Street; beautification committee to coordinate plantings
Summary
The Town Council unanimously approved agreements to plant roughly 25 street trees along South Main Street, authorizing the town manager to execute contracts following property-owner agreements, with planting and one-year contractor maintenance planned for spring.
Cheshire — The Town Council unanimously approved Resolution 022525-6 on Feb. 25 to authorize street tree planting agreements recommended by the town beautification committee. Council members and staff described the measure as a public-private partnership with property owners along South Main Street.
Resolution and scope: The resolution authorizes the town manager to execute planting agreements, subject to town attorney approval. Councilman Don Walsh said the committee contacted roughly 15 property owners from the town center toward the former Sweet Lodge location; the plan anticipates about 25 trees placed on properties where overhead lines are not present so larger street trees can be planted.
Implementation details: Assistant Town Manager Andrew Martelli and committee members told the council that property owners had largely agreed — 14 yeses, one no and three maybes — and beautification committee members will meet property-to-property to match species and exact locations. A contractor (to be procured by competitive bids) will plant the trees in spring, and the planting contract will include a one-year establishment and watering/maintenance obligation by the contractor. If a tree fails during that first year, the contractor is responsible for replacement under the proposed agreements.
Why it matters: Council members said the project aims to increase tree canopy and shade on the East side of Route 10 where overhead utilities are not present, improving streetscape character and supporting the business district. Councilors noted the program’s emphasis on “right tree, right place,” and that large street trees are prioritized to create canopy over time.
Concerns and clarifications: Councilors asked about species choices and potential nuisance fruit from some smaller ornamental trees. Staff clarified the program’s emphasis on larger street trees; smaller ornamental specimens were on a backup list in case property owners preferred them. Questions about funding were raised: the beautification committee has limited funds and may not have budget to cover all 25 plantings; project advancement depends on available budget and contractor estimates.
Council action: The council voted to authorize the agreements and to allow the town manager to execute them, with the town attorney reviewing form and function. The motion passed unanimously by those present.
Next steps: Staff will solicit pricing from three contractors after finalizing species and locations, award the planting contract to the most qualified bidder, and schedule spring planting with one-year contractor maintenance provisions written into the contract. The beautification committee and town staff will coordinate property-owner communications and maintenance expectations.
Community context: The planting program is part of wider downtown and commercial-area improvements; council members asked staff to explore matching grants and design opportunities to complement streetscaping work on South Main Street in coming budget cycles.
