Per the minutes e-mailed and posted on-line for Jan. 2012 CDOT had stated they no longer plan to plant any trees in the planting strip.
I went down with our VP JoAnn Means on Thursday afternoon and met with the Director of CDOT Danny Pleasant, The project manager Sonja Mosley, and the current and past CDOT staff over sidewalks for Charlotte.
They are now going to offer anyone with the sidewalk coming across the front of your lawns the option to have small or medium size growing trees. The city arborist has stated the smaller trees will do fine in a 5 foot strip. All residents along Murrayhill and Wedgewood where the sidewalk is going in will be getting a post card in the mail to notify you of the option to obtain trees at your location if you desire them. This was done at the request of the HOA. That post card will allow you to check yes for trees if you desire them. Some folks will not desire trees, others will not need them and that is fine. This will be for anyone that wants them and will be a simple way for you to let CDOT/City know YES for your location.
The trees will go in during the planting season next fall. They will be maintained including watering for the first year. If any trees die in the first year they will be replaced under warranty.
I know the city planted a couple of small type trees on my street a few years ago at one of my neighobrs homes when the residents trees were damaged in an ice storm. Those trees have done great. I think residents should see the post cards in the very near future.
