Public Hearing: YES ☐ NO ☒ Department: Planning and Sustainability
SUBJECT:
Title
Commission District(s): All Districts
Establishment of a Tree Bank Fund and Acceptance of Private Proceeds.
Body
Information Contact: Andrew Baker, Director of Planning & Sustainability.
Phone Number: 404-687-7154
PURPOSE:
To establish a Tree Bank Fund in order to accept private donations and court fines and appropriate these funds into a CIP account to be established for the purpose of addressing the efforts to support tree protection and replacement and tree canopy management as the result of development where the trees cannot be replanted on site.
NEED/IMPACT:
The Planning & Sustainability Department has been successful in collecting $385,924 and would like to appropriate these funds into a CIP account. The Tree Bank CIP account will be established for the purpose of addressing the planting of trees in appropriate receiving areas such as county facilities, parks, County ROW, commercial corridors, and other program-related areas. Historically during new development, all trees owned the county cannot be placed on the subject construction site. The Tree Bank allows the developer to donate funds into the bank based on a per inch equivalent and the funds can be used to purchase, plant and partner to plant trees to enhance DeKalb’s urban tree canopy, beautify certain areas, and invest in our Commercial Redevelopment Corridors. Trees are important for air quality, cooling affects, nature, and general aesthetics.
As the funds are collected, the Planning Department will work to install the trees at county facilities and along corridors to enhance the overall quality of life and other program-related areas within the County. The funds can also be used to leverage dollars and engagement from other agencies/organizations such as PATH, ARC, CDBG, Safe Routes to Schools, Trees Atlanta or other funding sources/partners.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Current allocation equates to $385,924.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommended Action
Accept the proceeds in the amount of $385,924 and appropriate these funds into a CIP account to be established for the purpose of planting trees in appropriate receiving areas such as county facilities, parks, and commercial corridors. To approve the resolution and authorize the chief executive officer to execute all necessary documents.