HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024 09 09 Consent 301 - City Waiver - Tree Replacement in Tuskawilla Crossing ROWCONSENT AGENDA ITEM 301
CITY COMMISSION AGENDA | SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 REGULAR MEETING
TITLE
City Waiver - Tree Replacement in Tuskawilla Crossings ROW
SUMMARY
The streets within Tuskawilla Crossings are public town center streets controlled and
maintained by the City. This request is being made in furtherance of the City's
authority under Florida law to maintain City streets in a manner that is in the best
interests of the City. When Tuskawilla Crossings was approved in 2017, part of the
approval was for the developer to install street trees as required by Sec. 20-325 of the
City Code. The street trees originally planted along various streets throughout
Tuskawilla Crossings were Live Oaks, which are defined as a Canopy Tree by the City
Code. Although this tree type was approved by the City Commission when the project
was approved, it has become clear that the use of Live Oaks in Tuskawilla Crossings
has become an issue given the smaller green strip along the various streets
throughout Tuskawilla Crossings where the trees were planted; some property owners
in the neighborhood have removed the trees and City staff has concerns that the roots
of the Live Oaks will likely cause damage to the infrastructure in the area (sidewalk,
curb, etc.) if not removed.
The Arbor and Landscape Manager has worked with the Community Development
Department to develop a long-term viable solution to this issue consistent with the
intent and purpose of the Town Center Code to have tree lined streets. This waiver
application is submitted to document a change from the originally approved plans and
to allow for the installation of Understory Trees in place of Canopy Trees as required
by Sec. 20-325 of the City Code. Staff is proposing to install Little Gem Magnolia trees,
which are defined as an Understory Tree in the City Code, in place of the existing Live
Oaks. The Little Gem Magnolia has a less aggressive root base that will be less likely to
cause damage and thereby be more cost effective to the City to maintain the City
streets within Tuskawilla Crossings in the long term.
If the Commission approves Staff's recommendation to replace the Live Oaks with
Little Gen Magnolia trees, City Staff intends to save as many the removed live oaks as
possible and replant them at appropriate locations such as City parks and other City
property.
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On several occasions City staff has met with representatives of the Tuskawilla
Crossings Homeowner's Association and the Association favors the solution being
proposed by City Staff for the City Commission's consideration.
FUNDING SOURCE
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the requested waiver related to
City streets within Tuskawilla Crossings. Additionally, staff recommends authorizing
the Interim City Manager and City Attorney to prepare and execute any and all
documents consistent with this agenda item.
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