Comments on: Decatur Gets $1.77 Million For N. McDonough Streetscape Improvements

By: treesrock

treesrock — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 22:52:29 +0000

The City recently conducted an inventory of trees along Ponce, and while most trees were in good to excellent condition their has also been a high rate of attrition, especially the trees that have been planted the last 2-10 years. While unproven, I believe one of the reasons is that the root barriers in more recently planted trees were incorrectly installed. Also the larger trees are creating structural issues that will most likely need to be addressed in the near future. Ideally, one wants to maximize crown size and longevity without compromising structural integrity. It is possible but requires forethought and an investment up front during installation. The City has shown interest and I plan to help!

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 17:36:52 +0000

I think the trees used in past streetscape projects seem to doing well.

By: Lyn

Lyn — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:40:45 +0000

All of our streetscape projects have included landscape architects on the design team and our trees are specifically chosen because of their ability to withstand urban conditions. All of the downtown streetscape projects have been funded through GDOT and we have been able to get the street trees approved. None of the downtown streets are state highways so that helps.

By: treesrock

treesrock — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:36:55 +0000

I hope an arborist is consulted for the longevity and safety of the trees that are incorporated into the design. Five feet is narrow but doable if the space is contiguous and latest street tree planing technology is used. Incorporating trees in more work and money upfront but the roi is big in terms of economic development and safety. Recent studies have demonstrated that trees slow traffic and thereby improve safety for pedestrians and traffic. The benefits of slower speeds significantly offsets the probability of injury due to impact with a tree along the road. Unfortunately, I do not think GDOT has incorporated this into their models yet. For info go to http://www.gufc.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/GA_Dumbaugh_Street%20Trees.pdf.

By: Lyn

Lyn — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:54:42 +0000

Well, ultimately it will require the review and approval of the Georgia Department of Transportation because the grant funds are federal transportation dollars that flow through that department. We have been frustrated with the delays on the Trinity streetscape project, the Ponce/Trinity bicycle lanes and the Oakhurst Business district streetscape but are beginning to see some movement on all of these projects. Considering the millions of dollars we are getting in grant funds, the saying “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth” comes to mind. The delays are frustrating but without the money we wouldn’t be able to fund these important streetscape improvements. Just keep thinking about how beautiful it’s going to look when we finally get the money and get these projects built.

By: Steve

Steve — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:30:10 +0000

I wonder if this project will be done before the E. Trinity/south Church St streetscape that was supposedly approved several years ago but hasn’t had one shovel turned?

By: Lyn

Lyn — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 14:26:31 +0000

The drawing shown in the post was a concept plan developed several years ago by the consultant team that has worked on the design of the other phases of the downtown streetscape project. The transportation plan included a different concept that DM describes above. Both options are simply concepts or ideas that need to be explored in greater detail along with other ideas that may be generated during public input sessions that will be held as part of the design process. We want to involve residents, property owners and business owners along the corridor as well as City Schools of Decatur in these discussions. As soon as we know about scheduling, we will post meeting dates.

By: altmod

altmod — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 12:42:15 +0000

love how the bike lanes are next to tree islands