From: Amy Likover
Sent: Tuesday, January 21, 2025 7:11 AM
To: Lindsay Lara <[email protected]>
Cc: Mayor Kate <[email protected]>; Rachel Kertz <[email protected]>; Maika Llorens Gulati <[email protected]>; Eli Hill <[email protected]>; Maribeth Bushey <[email protected]>; April Miller <[email protected]> Subject: Council comment - Canal Community-based Transit Plan
Hi Lindsay,
Cc to City Council, Mayor and Director Miller
Sorry this is coming in day of the Council meeting...
Wish I could be there in-person. Please be sure to enter this comment into input stats.
Please know that the San Rafael Tree Group recommends prioritizing the planting and maintenance of shade trees throughout the Canal neighborhood. Proven shade trees in San Rafael, such as the London Plane tree add a healthful, aesthetic and community defining element. Such a shade tree literally allows residents to be protected from dangerous summer heat and should not have to compete with sidewalks/concrete. There are many strategies in a densely populated area for trees to thrive, and the benefits are great. Equity demands this action.
The Gerstle Park Neighborhood is an example of how such planting unifies and beautifies an area. In order for such planting to occur, the Council should strike, "whenever possible" from the statement below. Additionally, adding a budget goal to fund such an initiative would demonstrate the City's commitment to the designation of Tree City USA.
The San Rafael Tree Group stands ready to help in the successful application for grants.
Yours truly,
Amy Likover
We believe the statement
the Canal Community-based Transit Plan Council report, Page 7, Solution 6 In regard to tree planting, the City applied for an Urban and Community Forestry grant to assist with the mapping and planting of trees in east San Rafael. Unfortunately, the City found out in the fall of 2024 that the application was unsuccessful. The City will continue to prioritize being a Tree City USA designee by including trees when possible in Capital Improvement Program projects and applying for grants to support tree planting and management.