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Committee backs Oakdale Avenue green-connections grant application; maintenance funding uncertain
Summary
Planning staff and the budget analyst told the committee a $975,000–$980,000 grant would fund 64 new trees, corner gardens, drought-tolerant sidewalk plantings and safety lighting on Oakdale Avenue; total project cost estimated at about $1.32 million and long-term maintenance responsibility currently rests with property owners unless the city chooses to fund it.
The Budget and Finance Committee considered a resolution authorizing an application for urban greening grant funds for the Oakdale Avenue Green Connections project and moved the item forward for Board consideration.
Sheila Nicalopoulos of the Planning Department told the committee the proposal would implement the first capital project from the 2011 Green Connections plan along Oakdale Avenue: 64 new trees, replacement of about 7,500 square feet of impermeable paving with drought-tolerant sidewalk gardens, four corner gardens, new pedestrian-scale lighting intended to improve safety, improved bike lanes, four community greening workshops and eight community workdays. The Planning Department submitted a grant application to the Sustainable Growth Council for approximately $975,000; the agenda referenced up to $980,000 under bond act language.
Budget analyst Mr. Rose said the total estimated project cost is $1,320,148 (per the budget report—s Table 3) and that DPW has not supplied maintenance-cost estimates; the department noted property owners will be responsible for trees installed in front of their properties under the current relinquishment program. Supervisor Obelas asked whether the mayor—s office plans to restore city-funded maintenance so property owners would not assume responsibilities; Melissa Whitehouse of the Mayor—s Budget Office said the city has provided one-time funds in the prior year and is studying options but did not offer a concrete long-term plan at the hearing.
With no public commenters, supervisors moved the item forward in committee. The resolution and accompanying budget details were forwarded to the full Board for potential final action.
