20210119-004a: Rainey Tower Heritage Tree Variance SPC-2021-0129C Recommendation — original pdf

Recommendation

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION MOTION 20210119-004a Date: January 19, 2022 RATIONALE: Subject: Rainey Tower SPC-2021-0129C Heritage Tree Variance Motion by: Jennifer Bristol Seconded by: Perry Bedford WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is seeking removal of a Heritage tree with a stem greater than 30 inches as allowed under LDC § 25-8-643 and § 25-8- 624(A)(2). WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the tree requested to be removed is a 32.5 inch Heritage pecan. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the City Arborist rates the pecan as Fair condition; poor structure; and has a history of large previous failures and damage to the present building. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the Environmental Criteria Manual standard is 300% mitigation, and mitigation for the site shall be addressed by further enhancing the streetscape planting conditions required under the UNO Great Streets program. The applicant has proposed a menu of options that support greater tree health and longevity such as structural soil cells, permeable paving, and expanded continuous planting beds. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes the applicant is proposing a five years tree care plan to provide ongoing maintenance for all new trees, and one-time improvements to additional streetscape trees and tree grates as needed and identified. WHEREAS, the Environmental Commission recognizes that the request meets the City Arborist’s approval criteria set forth in LDC 25-8-624(A)(2), and thus the variance is recommended by staff. THEREFORE, the Environmental Commission recommends the requested variance request with the following: Environmental Commission Conditions: 1. Implement a thorough 5-year tree care and maintenance plan at the cost of approximately $13,600 to increase tree viability over time for the eight (8) planted trees (monitor, water, fertilize, prune, etc.). 2. Implement a 5-year tree care plan for the three (3) preserved Protected and Heritage trees at the cost of approximately $12,900 to increase tree viability through construction and post-construction (monitor, water, fertilize, etc.). 3. Tree #2145 and maintaining for 5 years, which is approximately between $150,000 – $170,000. This cost is in addition to the tree removal mitigation costs in code which are approximately $21,000 1 (depending upon tree health valuation by staff), which we propose be used in on-site streetscape improvements. Therefore, we are proposing to provide an approximate total of $171,000 - $191,000 of improvements in lieu of preserving Tree #2145 for comprehensive and enhanced viability improvements to the pedestrian streetscape and paseo. 4. Ensure perpetual care of the remaining trees on the property. For: Perry Bedford, Haris Qureshi, Rachel Scott, Pam Thompson, Linda Guerrero, Jennifer Bristol, and Audrey Barrett Bixler Against: None Abstain: None Recuse: None Absent: Kevin Ramberg and Richard Brimer VOTE: 7-0 Approved By: Linda Guerrero, Environmental Commission Chair 2