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Home My WebLink About5A - Street Tree Designation - Fourth Avenue - fron Hong Kong Orchid to choice of 3 trees selectionsF U � O ��lF( TO: Parks, Beaches and Recreation Commission FROM: Mark Harmon, Director of Municipal Operations SUBJECT: Street Tree Designation -Fourth Avenue (CdM) Recommendation PB &R Commission Agenda Item No. SA January 3, 2012 That the Parks, Beaches and Recreation (PB &R) Commission recommend to the City Council that the Street Tree Designation on Fourth Avenue between Avocado and Poppy Avenues (Corona del Mar) be changed from the current Hong Kong Orchid to the homeowner's choice of three different species: Gold Medallion, Dwarf Southern Magnolia, and the African Tulip. Discussion In May 2000, the City Council adopted a City Street Tree Designation List (List) that specifies species of trees for future planting in parkways and/or medians throughout the city. Per Council Policy G -6, staff will recommend changes regarding the List to the PB &R Commission for consideration and recommendation to the City Council. During October 2011, 33 Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees were removed from the Fourth Avenue (CdM) neighborhood due to safety concerns. Following the removal of the trees, crews worked to replace damaged areas of private lawns and repair curb and gutter damage due to the size of the trees and their removal. During the past several weeks, city staff has worked to identify replacement trees for the Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees that were removed. The current designated street tree, the Hong Kong Orchid, has a slow growth rate and does not do well in all areas of the City. When selecting the replacement trees staff considered the growth space available, growth rate and success of a specific species, color (aesthetics), and availability of the trees. Staff is recommending the following three (3) species of trees for replacing the Eucalyptus on Fourth Avenue: the Gold Medallion, the Dwarf Southern Magnolia, and the African Tulip. Designating three (3) different species for this neighborhood will add diversity to the urban forest and provide homeowners with a choice when selecting the type of tree they would like in front of their home. These trees will also do well given the growth space for mature trees on Fourth Avenue and, therefore, will limit impacts to public and private property. On December 7d`, staff sent the attached letter and photos of the recommended replacement trees to the homeowners directly impacted by the removals. Included with this information was a Selection Form whereby homeowners could select the tree species that they would like for their specific property. Staff will provide information regarding the returned forms at the Commission meeting on January 3 `d. Financial Review There is no financial impact to the City due to a change in Street Tree Designation for a particular street. Public Notice This agenda item was noticed according to the Ralph M. Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the public meeting at which the Commission considers the item). In addition, a total of 28 homeowners received an individual notice of this meeting and a copy of the agenda report. Attachment: December 7th Letter to Fourth Avenue Homeowners w/ attachments CITY OF NEWPORT BEACH MUNICIPAL OPERATIONS DEPARTMENT December 7, 2011 Dear Neighbors, This letter with attachments (pictures of the tree selections and the Selection Form) is being sent to all homeowners that were impacted by the Blue Gum Eucalyptus tree removals on Fourth Avenue. First, my sincere thanks for your patience and understanding as the City moved forward with this very difficult project. The decision to remove the Blue Gum Eucalyptus trees was not an easy one. Following the removal of the trees, crews worked to replace damaged areas of private lawns and repair curb and gutter damage. With that work completed, it is now time to turn our attention towards replacing the trees. As I stated at the Town Hall meeting that was held on October 13th, the City will provide three different choices for homeowners to select from when considering the replacement of the trees that were located at their individual properties. After considering growth space available and history of hour well various species have done in the Corona Del Mar area, staff has selected the attached three species of trees for your consideration; the Gold Medallion, the Dwarf Southern Magnolia, and the African Tulip. Attached to this letter is a Selection Form. I would ask that you please complete this form and mail or e -mail to my attention at the address below. The selection and planting of a tree is not mandatory, and if requested, City staff will visit your residence and discuss planting options. My goal is to prepare a recommendation for the January 3 *d meeting of the PB&R Commission to list these three species as the newly designated street tree for Fourth Avenue. I would sincerely appreciate receiving your completed form prior to January 3rd. You will receive a notice of the Commission meeting so that you may attend and provide your thoughts directly to the Commissioners if you wish. However, your attendance is not necessary. Thanks again for working with the City towards re- establishing our street trees on Fourth Avenue. Sincerely, V4L Mark Harmon, Director Municipal Operations Department mharmon(tinewportbeachca. Gov Corporation Yard: 592 Superior Ave, Newport Beach, CA 92663 - Telephone: (949) 644 -3055 Fax: (949) 650 -0747 Utilities Yard: 949 West 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA 92663 - Telephone: (949) 644 -3011 Fax: (949) 646 -5204 Mailing Address: PO Box 1768, Newport Beach, CA 92658 -8915 - www. newportbeachca .gov /municipaloperations SELECTION FORM FOURTH AVENUE STREET TREE DESIGNATION Address: Name: Please choose ONE: ❑ Gold Medallion ❑ Dwarf Southern Magnolia ❑ African Tulip (Height: 20 - 40 ft, Blooms: Bright yellow) (Height: 20 - 25 ft, Blooms: Large white) (Height: 10 - 40 ft, Blooms: Reddish - orange) ❑ NO REPLACEMENT TREE REQUESTED Optional: ❑ Please contact us for a site visit with City Staff Phone Number /Email Address: COMMENTS: ** Please return the completed form prior to January 3rd to: ** City of Newport Beach Municipal Operations Department Attn: Fourth Ave Tree Selection Form 3300 Newport Blvd Newport Beach CA 92658 Or email to: mharmon@newportbeachca.gov r it �v�yt� It �. 0* ^ f u l' A i Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' (Dwarf Southern Magnolia) r. Spathodea campanulata (African Tulip Tree)