Substitute
Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Board of Commissioners - District 6
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All
Front Yard Tree Program with Trees Atlanta
Body
Information Contact: Commissioner Gannon
Phone Number: 404 373 4909
PURPOSE:
Approve a two-year agreement between DeKalb County and Trees Atlanta that will for a nominal cost to homeowners in unincorporated DeKalb enable them to have Trees Atlanta install overstory trees in their front yards to improve the tree canopy, reduce stormwater and address climate change.
NEED/IMPACT:
As growth continues in DeKalb County, the tree canopy is decreasing. Climate change is causing warmer temperatures and more intense rainfalls. Trees help to mitigate these changes. Planting trees in the front yards of residences is the best opportunity to successfully grow overstory trees that will absorb carbon dioxide, reduce ambient temperatures and absorb rainwater. Trees also reduce energy consumption and costs for homeowners. This program will provide for 400 trees to be planted in 2021 and 2022. Several cities in DeKalb County have similar programs.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Planning and Sustainability Department will administer the program and use existing funding in an account that collects tree recompense funds from developers. There are sufficient funds in the account to pay for the $92,500 cost for the two-year agreement. Homeowners will pay a $25 application fee to Trees Atlanta.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
To approve the resolution and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents....