Beautification

Notes from Beautification Subgroup

3/31/07

Present: Margot Smith, Art Goldberg, Fred Dodsworth, Julia Ross, Al and Ann Wasserman, Jane Harada, Patty Brink and Diane Tokugawa (note-taker).

It was noted by several neighbors that beautification of the area needs to be taken in context of the whole. Beautification, vision, parking, traffic, commons, and merchants interests are ultimately integrated. Knowing that the sidewalk would remain the same width or be widened or whether the median strip will remain or not, would effect design suggestions. Other sub-groups were going to discuss the commons, parking, traffic, and overall vision, it was my intent for this particular group to focus on the Òlow hanging fruit", i.e. improvements that can be made to the area without construction.

Trees

-There are trees along the median from Delaware to Vine. This could be extended up to Rose. IF feasible, trees can be also added to the median strip between the access road and Shattuck. Certain types of trees may be more suitable than others because of space requirements.

-Need to check with City and Heather's group

Planter boxes

-add boxes near Longs

-add triangular shaped boxes in front of the diagonal parking in front of Saul's and Masse's to provide extra buffer zone between cars and the people sitting at the table/chairs on the sidewalk.

-neighbor commented that both Alan Connelly (Earthly Goods) and Marcia Schwartz (GM at Coldwell Banker) have voiced strong reservations about the usage and maintenance of the planter boxes currently installed.

Long's wall

-leave as is

-mural

-trellis with vines (comment was made that vines on the Longs wall could exacerbate North Berkeley's serious rodent problem, Trumpetvine Court for example.)

-exhibit/gallery area for artwork from schools, Berkeley Art Center, or Black Oak Books and other businesses

-Need to discuss these ideas with the owner of Long's

Clutter of garbage and recycling cans on the median strip and palettes along Long's wall

-find a place for merchants to put recycling and garbage, some discrete enclosure

Recycling Center at Safeway

-remove or relocate to another area (some discussion about state requirements)

-add more trees/greenery to enclose that area from view

These are ideas for consideration. We did not come to a consensus. Additional suggestions are welcome.