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Landscape Beautification Advisory Board Meeting of April 2, 2009
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BOARD-AS-A-WHOLE APPOINTMENT: Discussion among board members concluded that this issue would be considered again when an appropriate candidate for the Board-As-A-Whole position is found.
ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION: Eleanor Zahner reported that Carl E. Lewis, PhD, Director of Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden, has agreed to be the speaker for the May 7, 2009 Arbor Day Celebration. She noted that the event will begin at 10:00 a.m. at Riviera Park. Eleanor also reported that she has been in contact with Mr. Machado at Ponce de Leon Middle School and the Young Environmentalist's Service Club will be attending the event. Dan Keys reported that three Royal Poinciana trees have been ordered and will be placed in the park as per the landscape design.
TRAFFIC CIRCLE - CARDENA & PALERMO: Discussion was held regarding landscaping plans for traffic circles in general. Dan Keys described the process followed for the creation of new traffic circles to board members. Maricris Longo stated that she heard that the subject traffic circle planned for Cardena Street and Palermo Avenue had been approved and was interested in making sure that the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board would have the opportunity to provide input on the landscaping planned for the circle. Board members agreed that it is important to them that they are not left out of the approval process for traffic circles.
Dan Keys noted that the Historic Preservation Board had signed off on the traffic circle at Coral Way and Segovia St. as they do not believe the proposed Royal Palm landscaping would deter from the historical value of either roadway. Linda Lawrence noted that the side areas around the circle have been planted with Live Oak trees. Maricris Longo stated that she feels that the entire street needs to be considered when designing a traffic circle rather than just designing them one at a time. Discussion was held among board member regarding the suggestion made by Maricris Longo. A motion was made by Barbara Katzen stating "In order to integrate the designs, the Landscape Beautification Advisory Board would like to see a landscape design for both traffic circle intersections on Segovia Street (Biltmore Way and Coral Way), including the Hardscape and Landscape prior to planting the Segovia Street and Coral Way circle." The motion was seconded by Linda Lawrence, voted upon and adopted with a unanimous vote.
Linda Lawrence inquired about the addition of more flowering trees to the overall landscape of the City of Coral Gables. Dan Keys stated that the City makes choices to fit flowering trees in whenever possible. He noted that there are scarce opportunities to replant entire streets with flowering trees, but when areas are in need of landscaping, they are considered.
BOARD ITEM/CITY COMMISSION UPDATE: No new items.
CITY PROJECTS UPDATE: No new items.