pages: HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2005-04-07.pdf, 3
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HistoricalAdvisoryBoard | 2005-04-07 | 3 | 2. Review of the Landscaping Plan for planting two Coast Live Oak trees (Quercus agrifolia) on the vacant property at 301 Spruce Street. The submittal of a Landscaping Plan (as part of new development proposals on the site) was required as a Condition of Approval by the Historical Advisory Board under Resolution HAB 01-08, which approved the removal of one Coast Live Oak tree in 2001, The site is located within an R-4 Neighborhood Residential District. Ms. Altschuler gave a brief history of the project. In 1988, the previous owner damaged an Oak tree through extensive trimming. The owners were required to preserve the tree despite it being severely pruned. In 2001 the tree showed signs of deteriorating health, and the Board approved a new owner's request to remove the damaged tree in order to allow a proposed residential development, with the condition that two new oak trees be planted on the property. The Board also required the submittal of a landscaping plan for review and approval by the Board when new construction is proposed on the site. The Board's approval was subsequently appealed to the City Council, where the Board's decision was upheld upon the Council's finding that there was no merit to the appeal. The applicants have secured the services of a Landscape Architect as required by the Board in 2001 to prepare a landscaping plan and recommendations for the location of the two new trees. The applicants have also secured services of a certified arborist who has provided recommendations for protecting the existing trees during construction. Board member Tilos opened the floor for public comment. Patrick Lynch, 305 Spruce St., spoke in opposition of this project. He has several issues with this application. He stated that the Board should be aware that the conditions contained in CA-01-08 have not been complied with and his requests to the City for enforcement have been ignored. In 2002 a grading permit was issued for the development project at the site without requiring replacement trees. He is concerned with the recent changes to Alameda's Historical Preservation Ordinance that allows Oak Trees with a trunk diameters less than 10" to be removed without a Certificate of Approval. The proposed replacement trees will not likely have trunk diameters of this size for 10 to 20 years, and could be removed at the end of the period required for the landscape maintenance agreement. He therefore requests that the replacement trees have a diameter greater that 10" at 4,5 ft. above the ground. He also disagrees with staff's decision that this project is categorically exempt from the CEQA guidelines. The tree removal together with the proposed single-family home project may cumulatively cause additional and substantial adverse change in the condition of the remaining oak trees. Ms. Altschuler addressed Mr. Lynch's concerns as followed: Minutes of April 7, 2005 Regular Historical Advisory Board Meeting 3 | HistoricalAdvisoryBoard/2005-04-07.pdf |