Willow Glen Resident
News
City continues to seek out community input on trees
By Emilie Crofton
With limited funding for tree-related services, San Jose city officials are seeking the community's input and focusing on low-cost ways to improve its current tree policies and services.
Through a series of community meetings, residents have been able to speak out on a number of issues and concerns they would like the city to take into consideration for its tree preservation work plan.
"Lack of funding for maintenance and other things shouldn't stop us from taking advantage of the opportunities we have to work with the community," said city spokesman Kevin Briggs, who is with the San Jose Public Works Department. "We can still change ordinances and make city operations and regulations more efficient."
At the first of five community meetings on Sept 12 at the Rose Garden Library, attemdees commented on issues ranging from increased enforcement, easier and more practical means of dealing with tree issues and creating public-private partnerships.
According to Briggs, the city is looking to unify the tree-removal permit processes, clarify mitigation planting and in-lieu fees, revise the heritage tree ordinance, consider new penalties and improve coordination with utility companies.
To accomplish this, he said, input from the community and increased awareness are essential to creating a successful program.
One recurring request has been the need for an easier communication system between the city and the residents on tree issues.
According to Briggs, a class at San Jose State University will help the city develop a website linked to the city's homepage that will provide information about tree-related issues and services.
"We're looking to create a website where there will be information on who to contact, forms and guidelines, links to other tree agencies and more," Briggs said.
Residents also emphasized the need for homeowners to help enforce rules and regulations by notifying the city when violations occur.
"The city has a responsibility to its community," says San Jose resident Tessa Woodmansee, "but business and individuals also have a responsibility to help beautify our city."
Briggs says the city is exploring ways to create private-public partnerships, to help offset limited funds.
"We are applying for grants from the state and looking at other potential grant opportunities," he said. "We have applied for help to create a street tree inventory."
Overall, people at the meeting were pleased that the city realized the importance of the urban forest.
"I was very happy with the meeting. Trees are a part of our quality of life. I think the city is finally getting it," Woodmansee says. "We have to keep speaking out about it. This isn't over."
Community meetings are scheduled at the Evergreen Branch Library, 2635 Aborn Road, on Sept. 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. and the West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road on Sept. 25, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
If you are unable to attend these meetings and would like further information, contact Kevin Briggs at 408.535.8108 or kevin.briggs@ sanjoseca.gov.
For more information on the Tree Preservation Policy and Services, visit http://www.sanjoseca. gov/transportation/s_treeland scaping.htm.
