Advisory committee approves revised River Street tree program, adds co‑design and impact‑zone clarifications

The River Street advisory committee voted to approve the River Street Tree Program (version four) with amendments clarifying the project's impact zone, establishing homeowner co‑design with expert feedback, and directing that final tree numbers and species be determined collaboratively.

Tricia Gates Brown, a River Street resident, urged block‑by‑block timing for removals and replanting so "the tree removal and tree replanting also be done block by block," a point the committee folded into the amended language. Committee members emphasized they wanted clear guidance in the RFP while reserving species selection and exact counts until designers can confirm planter‑strip widths and nursery availability.

Under the approved approach, homeowners whose trees are removed will be offered replacement trees tied to the street program; committee discussion repeatedly described the entitlement in shorthand as "N plus two" (replacement of removed trees plus up to two additional street trees), subject to space and the landscape architect's professional assessment. Staff noted the city's offer focuses on trees in the planter strip and that any additional private‑yard plantings remain the homeowner's choice and responsibility.

The committee also confirmed a multi‑year maintenance commitment for city‑planted street trees: the policy as drafted attaches an extended watering/maintenance period to newly planted street trees to improve establishment (the draft references a multi‑year service window beyond typical industry one‑year warranties).

Members directed staff to carry the approved plan and RFP language to City Council for preliminary approval and to continue community outreach about the tree list and final planting details. The committee did not set final species lists tonight; those details will be finalized during the design phase and in coordination with the landscape architect and available nursery stock.