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Alexander residents press Bexley Tree Commission for taller evergreen screening at Fitzgerald project
Summary
Residents of the Alexander urged the Tree Commission to require larger, year‑round evergreen screening for the Fitzgerald development, citing noise, headlight glare and loss of privacy; the mayor and staff said the landscape plan is approved but offered to seek amendments if legitimate issues arise.
Residents of the Alexander condo complex told the Bexley Tree & Public Garden Commission on May 20 that the landscaping approved for the nearby Fitzgerald development does not adequately shield their homes from traffic noise, car headlights and light from garage openings. William Gillette, who said he lives at 520 South Park View, told the commission the new building “is a monster” and that the current plan of deciduous trees will not block noise and light year-round.
Gillette said he had discussed planting options with planning staff and recommended tall, evergreen screening rather than small deciduous trees that lose leaves in winter. “You are devaluing my property,” he said, adding that headlights from the Fitzgerald’s garage already shine into his kitchen.
Mayor (name not stated in the record) responded that the Tree Commission reviews planting plans while the mayor’s office administers the city; he said the Fitzgerald plan had been examined closely and encouraged residents to give it time once installed. “If there are legitimate concerns with the peace and tranquility based upon landscape, we can always go back to the property owner and ask for amendments,” the mayor said. He also offered to arrange a meeting between residents and the project’s landscape designer to discuss specific concerns.
Commission staff confirmed to residents that the planting plan for the Fitzgerald project had been approved and noted that substantive changes to an approved plan typically require a property-owner amendment or a new submission. Commissioners and staff encouraged residents to document the specific impacts they’re experiencing; staff said it would notify neighbors if changes to the plan are proposed after installation.
Next steps recorded at the meeting: the mayor offered to help set a meeting with the Fitzgerald landscape designer, and staff said it would verify whether any additional hold-harmless or planting guarantees are on file for the project.
