DATE: August 10, 2017
TO: Members of the Housing & Redevelopment Authority
FROM: Janine Atchison, Housing Coordinator
Title
517 Washington St S Landscaping Plan
Body
SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUESTED:
Consider updating landscaping at 517 Washington to meet neighborhood standards.
BACKGROUND:
Landscaping around the duplex rental building at 517 Washington St S is in substandard condition. Many of the shrubs are dead or dying and most of the greenery is provided by volunteer trees and weeds.
Mulch and landscaping fabric used as a weed barrier have failed. The mulch was not replenished annually. The planting beds surrounding the house are now full of weeds. Many of the shrubs have died and healthy shrubs need trimming away from the building. There are volunteer trees growing along the foundation and in the window well.
There is a tree planted, as part of the existing landscape plan, only 5 feet from the SW corner of the building. This tree has grown to approximately 5 inches in diameter and is between 20 - 25 feet tall. The branches of the tree have grown against the building and will cause damage to the siding as the tree continues to grow. In addition, the root system may cause damage to the foundation.
ANALYSIS:
Staff is obtaining bids from landscaping contractors. Only one bid, in the amount of $3950 has been received to date. The work included in this bid includes:
* Remove the volunteer trees, dead shrubbery, weed barrier.
* General clean-up of existing landscape beds.
* Install landscape weed barrier, edging, river rock and shrubs.
* Trim existing healthy shrubs.
In addition to the bids for the landscaping, staff contacted an arborist who specializes in moving trees. The arborist estimated the cost to move the tree to another part of the yard at $400 - $500. The cost to cut down the tree and remove the stump is roughly the same.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends the HRA Board approve up to $3950 for landscaping and up to $500 for moving...
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