Archived News Release from 2006

For Immediate Release

City Seeks Applicants for Community Task Force on Tree Policies; Will Research and Advise Council on Variety of Tree and Sidewalk Issues

Redwood City, CA - January 26, 2006 - Redwood City’s urban forest is an integral part of the community’s quality of life, providing shade and beautiful streets and complementing homes and property values, while helping to make neighborhoods unique. The City understands this, and at the same time recognizes that preservation of street trees can sometimes be at odds with sidewalk maintenance and repair, and with the perspectives of some homeowners and residents.

The City’s ordinances regarding street trees have not been updated in several years, so today Redwood City announces the intent to form a Community Task Force on Tree Policies, and seeks applicants for appointment to this important new committee.

An estimated 17 to 23 community members will be appointed to the Task Force by the City Council and will meet twice a month starting in March, continuing for an estimated six months. Any Redwood City resident interested in this issue is encouraged to apply by going to the website for an application and further information. An application packet can also be requested by calling 780-7220. The application deadline is 5:00 pm, February 13th 2006.

The Task Force will consist solely of community members, aided by a professional facilitator and a tree consultant of their choosing, and will be charged with reviewing and making recommendations to the City Council on a variety of issues related to how the City and the community lives with and maintains the urban forest. Among the issues the Task Force is expected to review are:

• the existing street tree preservation measures;
• conflicts between the preservation of street trees and the removal/repair/installation of sidewalks;
• tree planting objectives and policies, including species selection;
• possible changes to existing City ordinances for regulation/protection of trees on private property;
• the City’s tree requirements and standards for new development.

Mayor Barbara Pierce notes that, “The members of this Task Force will become the community experts on Redwood City’s tree preservation issues. The Council is greatly interested in how we can revise and develop tree policies that truly reflect the community’s needs, so we’re very excited and hope for many, many applications.”

More information and the application for the Community Task Force for Tree Policies is available online, or by calling 780-7464.

Visit Redwood City’s award-winning website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, and City government. Subscribe to Redwood City’s email newsletter by sending an email to e-news@redwoodcity.org

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Contact:
Peter Ingram
Public Works Director
650-780-7464