Weekly Status Report - 9/10/09

MEMORANDUM

To:                   City Council

From:               David J. Deutsch, City Manager

Subject:            BGE Tree Trimming/Cutting on Rights of Way

Date:                September 10, 2009

            As part of the Bowie Electric Reliability Action Plan (BERAP), BGE has proposed several tree trimming/cutting projects along public rights of way that staff wants to bring to City Council’s attention.  Several of these programs have already been communicated to City Council and to the citizens impacted. 

Route 197 Adjacent to Long Ridge – BGE proposes to trim and cut trees on the west side of Route 197 from old Route 450 to south of Lerner Place.  City Council, as well as all residents living in the Long Ridge community, have been notified of this proposed action (see attached letter).  Staff received one contact from a resident regarding this proposed trimming concerning the removal of bamboo just south of Long Ridge Lane.  Councilwoman Valentino-Smith has expressed concerns about this trimming.  BGE has expressed a desire to begin work in this area because of the need to coordinate construction activity taking place in this area.  This project is currently on hold because of the Councilwoman’s concerns.  We are currently attempting to resolve these concerns. 

Mitchellville Road Landscaped Trees – BGE proposes to replace the landscaped trees on the west side of Mitchellville Road from Route 197 to south of Northview Drive.  This matter was communicated to City Council and adjoining property owners earlier this spring (see attached letter).  This work was originally proposed for the spring.  However, this work has now been planned in an October to November time frame. 

Mitchellville Road Behind Alson Way and Audubon Lane – BGE proposes to clear cut trees along the east side of Mitchellville Road behind 16203 to 16209 Alson Way and 16101 to 16109 Audubon Lane.  This trimming will be similar to the clear cutting that took place last year just north of this area along Mitchellville Road toward Alderwood Lane.  Following this clear cutting, the area will be allowed to grow in its natural state similar to the previous cutting.  BGE also proposes to remove Bradford Pear trees that have been previously pruned and misshapen south of Alson Way toward the Mitchellville substation along the east side of Mitchellville Road as well.  Notices will be sent to the houses immediately abutting this proposed cutting informing them of this proposed action.

Race Track Road – Staff does not have the details on this proposed cutting, but BGE is proposing similar cutting to what was done along Old Chapel Road in this area.  The cutting along Old Chapel Road elicited concerns from some residents regarding the extent of cutting and regarding the trees that were left in a misshaped form.  As Council was aware, the City authorized BGE to remove the misshaped trees in this area along Old Chapel Road.  The removal of the misshaped trees has significantly improved the appearance along this roadway.  Staff will provide more details to City Council and to the residents whose property adjoins Race Track Road that will be impacted by this cutting prior to this work taking place.  We will also authorize BGE to remove trees that will be significantly misshaped as a result of this cutting rather than leaving these trees for removal after the fact like what occurred on Old Chapel Road.

Grady’s Walk Area along Route 197 – The area on the west side of Route 197 between Grady’s Walk and Grason Lane is proposed for significant cutting.  In total, 82 evergreens and 16 deciduous trees are proposed to be removed in this area.  Approximately 20 to 25 dogwoods will remain in this area.  BGE proposes to replace the evergreen trees removed on a 3 for 2 basis and the deciduous trees removed on a one to one basis using the Right Tree Right Place Program.  This will result in 139 new trees being planted in this area.  The majority of trees proposed for replanting are Nellie Stevens Hollies.  In order to properly prepare this area for planting, it is proposed that the City expend approximately $7,000 to have a contractor remove the stumps from this area and to grade and prepare this area for planting similar to what was done at Buckingham Park.  The new trees would be under the care of the nursery for the first year.  Because this area of Route 197 is already maintained as a semi-landscaped area, we would propose adding an addendum to the contract the City currently has with the contractor who is cutting Route 450 and parts of Route 197 in this area for future maintenance.  Because of the significant impact of this proposed work, staff plans on sending letters to all residents of Grady’s Walk informing them of this proposed work. 

DJD/JLF

Attachments