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Commission reviews West End tree-planting status and developer-backed Heartland Commerce Park proposal
Summary
Shade Tree commissioners reported progress and outstanding questions on the West End TCP planting program (roughly 69–70 request slots submitted) and discussed a developer-funded plan for 197 trees at Heartland Commerce Park. Staff said many West End plantings are scheduled as part of existing purchase orders and that
Commissioners reviewed progress on two large planting efforts: the West End TCP planting program and a developer-funded proposal for 197 trees at Heartland Commerce Park.
Sarah and other members said they have processed roughly 69 applications for the Shade Tree planting program (one speaker said 69 submitted and, if an extra $300 request is approved, the total would be 70 for that staff region). Staff said the TCP grant year runs July 1 to June 30 and that applicants who apply before the June cutoff can typically expect planting the following season; commissioners noted high demand can push some applicants into the subsequent year. Commissioners also said funds from the Arbor planting grant will supplement the TCP funds when needed.
On Heartland Commerce Park, staff reported a developer presentation proposing 197 trees for public-right-of-way and park areas; the developer indicated the work would be paid for by the property owner. Staff said Heartland’s maintenance crew is not set up to water newly planted trees, so the developer was offered a model used previously: the HOA or property owner pays the Shade Tree commission (or contract) to provide watering and purchase water bags.
Commissioners said they will compile final lists of planting requests, compare those totals to existing purchase orders and bring a final tally to a future meeting. They also flagged logistics such as lack of spigots at some planting sites and the need to coordinate watering responsibilities with HOAs and property-maintenance crews.
Commissioners discussed program scale: one staff member said the commission has averaged about 490 trees planted per year over the last decade, and that this year’s total will likely be similar but remains in flux until POs and funding are finalized.
No formal vote on allocations for the West End or Heartland proposals occurred at the meeting; commissioners asked staff to return with final counts and funding status.
