MEMORANDUM

TO: City Council

FROM: David J. Deutsch, City Manager

SUBJECT: Status Report/Council Poll

DATE: August 9, 2007

Status Report

1. Free State Shopping Center

This shopping center is now 100% leased. The Rockaway mattress store was bought from bankruptcy by another chain -- Sleepy's. They will be expanding into the vacant space next door to Rockaway. The center's owner, Federal Realty, is planning a Grand Reopening for the center later this summer.

2. Beautification and Tree Preservation Committee

Attached is a letter from the Beautification and Tree Preservation Committee requesting clarification of the purpose and duties of the Committee. Councilman Turner, Council liaison to this Committee, intends to recommend to Council a proposed way for Council to consider this Committee request.

3. BGE Corridor Tree Trimming Program

At the BGE Task Force Meeting on Wednesday, August 8th, BGE provided an additional update regarding the Corridor Tree Trimming Program that is occurring in the Meadowbrook and Chapel Forge sections of the City. Approximately three miles of the 3.7-mile project has been completed, which represents 81% of the project. Ninety-five percent of the customers who will be impacted by this trimming have been contacted by the BGE permission personnel regarding this work. Ten tree crews are working on this project. There were two situations where BGE exercised their right to trim trees against the wishes of the property owner. There have been 321 trees greater than 8" in diameter removed as part of this program. BGE anticipates that this program will be completed by August 17th.

4. Northview Elementary School Signal

The traffic signal installation is complete with the exception of one advance hazard identification beacon located on Northview Drive and Nashua Lane. All the parts have not arrived and Public Works is working with other jurisdictions to get loaner parts until then. BGE is scheduled to energize the signal on Monday, August 13th.

Their work had been delayed, because their crews have been busy making adjustments related to the hot weather. The State Highway Administration is being scheduled to set the timing up for the signal on Tuesday the 14th, at which time it should be fully operational. It will run on "flash" mode for three days before going to regular signal mode. This is a requirement in order to allow drivers to become used to this new signal location.