Staff Report

ITEM NO.   D-3

 BACKGROUND

At its meeting of July 10, 2001, the Parks & Open Space Commission reviewed a revised application by the Tiburon Peninsula Foundation (TPF) to install landscaping and related improvements within Blackie’s Pasture Park. Draft minutes from that meeting are attached as Exhibit 1.

Primary direction from the POSC was for the Foundation to:

• Perform more neighborhood outreach prior to returning to the Commission
• Select shorter tree species, preferably 15-20 foot maximum height at maturity
• Keep proposed new trees within areas of existing trees to minimize new view blockage

Revised drawings were submitted on August 31^st.

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The revised project (see Exhibit 2) proposes the following:

1.    Planting of two separate clusters of red flowering gum trees in the vicinity of existing tree clusters bayward of the Multi-use Path & Brunini Way. Most of the trees in the existing tree clusters are red flowering gum trees. The two proposed tree clusters are as follows:

a.    A cluster of approximately seven new trees opposite Blackie’s Pasture Drive from the paved parking lot at Blackie’s Pasture Park. This cluster would be complemented by two wooden benches and a decomposed granite pathway leading to the benches.

b.    A cluster of approximately five new trees west of Shapero Bridge in an area where several red flowering gum trees and a large cottonwood tree exist. This cluster would be complemented by three wooden benches and a decomposed granite pathway leading to the benches. The uneven topography in this area would be smoothed to make it more walkable.

2.    The existing large earthen berm alongside Brunini Way would be reduced in size and height, and the excess material spread in the area immediately west of the berm in between the two groves. The area would then be hydroseeded with native grasses and wildflowers.

3.    Removal of the tall, large-canopied broadleaf deciduous tree (cottonwood) located near the waterfront in the cluster of trees nearest Shapero Bridge. Other existing trees in this cluster would be trimmed.

ANALYSIS

The following comments are made with respect to project changes in response to Commission direction at the July 10^th meeting:

• Foundation representatives indicate that they have visited the homes of people who spoke at the July 10^th hearing to discuss project modifications.

• Tree species proposed are red flowering gum. Numerous trees of this species already exist in the two tree clusters. These trees have exhibited a slow growth rate and remain at relatively low mature heights with fairly small canopies. While not a native species, many people find the trees attractive because of their red flowers. The trees do not appear to reach heights above 20 feet.
• The revised location of the newly planted trees appears to be outside of existing view corridors and within the confines of existing tree clusters. It does not appear that new view blockage would result from the planting of the new trees.

• Trimming of trees in the bayward cluster, and removal of the large cottonwood tree, are intended to restore views from several affected homes in the Reedlands that have been blocked in recent years by growth of the cottonwood tree. Removal of large healthy trees from public parks (for view purposes) is generally a controversial matter that has been discouraged by the Commission and the Town Council over the years. Prior Commissions have expressed concern that authorizing the removal of trees in public parks for the benefit of private view purposes could set a precedent and result in "open season" on trees in public parks. The applicants see the removal of the cottonwood as "horse-trade" that will benefit the owners of properties that would be potentially most affected by the Blackie’s Grove project in terms of view blockage.

• No elements of the project appear to infringe on existing utilities.

• Placement of a chain across the Richardson Bay Sanitary District access entry to the west of the landward tree cluster was suggested at the prior meeting, but is not shown on the drawings. The Commission should discuss this chain.

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

Staff sees the revised project has having greatly reduced potential for new view blockage though a combination of careful placement of new trees and change of species. The paths, benches, and grading/hydroseeding elements constitute improvements to the park. Proposed removal of the cottonwood tree should be carefully considered by the Commission, especially if the Commission determines that new view blockage is unlikely to result from the planting of red flowering gum trees. Generally, removal of a large, healthy tree from a public park in Tiburon requires a high level of justification.

The POSC should receive a presentation from the applicant, take public testimony, discuss individual elements of the proposal and the project as a whole, and forward its recommendations to the Town Council.

1.    Draft minutes of July 10, 2001.

2.    Revised drawing dated 8/30/2001.

3.    Courtesy notice.

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