Alameda streetscape: Trees are last step for project Alameda streetscape: Trees are last step for project (February 11, 2004)

** Property owners must approve assessment district before trees can be planted.

By Jane Knoerle

Almanac Staff Writer

The final phase of the Alameda de las Pulgas streetscape, installing up to 43 London Plane trees, will be deferred until an assessment district can be formed to allow nearby property owners to share the cost of maintenance.

While the county will pay for the trees and their installation, it has no money for maintaining them, said San Mateo County Supervisor Rich Gordon.

A streetscape task force is working to establish the boundaries of the district, which would include property owners that would most directly benefit from the tree planting, said Bill Kirsch, a task force member.

If the county Board of Supervisors approves the proposed district, the property owners will be asked to vote on whether they will join the district. That election will probably take place in about three or four months, said Mr. Gordon.

The estimated annual assessment would be about $5 per property owner; however, a slightly higher assessment for business owners is being considered, said Mr. Gordon. The decision to form the district will be made by a weighted majority: If a property owner's assessment is larger, that vote will be proportionately larger. If a majority approves the district, no property owner may opt out.

If the assessment district is voted down, no trees will be planted.

Last year, the streetscape committee received a positive response when they went door-to-door to talk to affected property owners, said Mr. Kirsch.

Contactors have installed wells where the trees can be planted and have covered them with grates. The grates can be easily removed when the trees are ready to plant. The trees will be watered by inserting gel packs, said Neil Cullen, the county's public works director.

Mr. Kirsch said he thinks the trees and the completed streetscape will deliver huge benefits over the long term to the community.

"We will have a pedestrian-friendly shopping district that balances the needs of all users."

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