The Manager's report back on the possibility of planting a tree at the corner of Inman Street and Massachusetts Avenue, directly in front of City Hall

May 8th , 2019

Re Awaiting Report 18-139: Possibility of planting a substantial-sized tree at the corner of Inman Street and Massachusetts Avenue, directly in front of City Hall. In response to the above awaiting report, the Department of Public Works proposes to plant a number of trees on the eastern side of City Hall; in the Lawn area, on the Inman Street side of the building.

There are a number of reasons associated with not placing a tree immediately in front of City Hall on the eastern lawn: Firstly, there are a number of drainage, sewer and electrical utilities, together with a structural infiltration system directly under the front lawn in question. Such present a challenge in trying to site a tree in this location.

Additionally, over the last number of years, the area on the east lawn in front of City Hall has become an increasingly popular with families and neighbors who enjoy the afternoon and evening sun. Finally, there are concerns that the planting of an additional tree in front of a landmark building would obscure the view of City Hall and detract from the restoration of the landscaping that occurred during the 2000s.

There are no trees on the street between Dotty Doyle Way and Massachusetts Avenue due to both the narrowness of the sidewalks and the extent to which there are utilities running under those spaces. We propose planting one shade tree (tulip) adjacent to the front corner on the Inman side of the building together with three flowering trees (Serviceberry) in the sloped area between the retaining wall and the edge of the building along the Inman Street edge.