By ARIELLA MONTI
With assistance of a community revitalization grant from county Legislator Denise Ford, the city plans to plant about 40 trees along sidewalks and the medians around the town in coming weeks. City Manager Charles Theofan said this first group of trees would likely be planted in the business district, near the retail stores and the transportation hub. "The second phase would include the West End, the other gateway to the City," he said.
At the council's April 21 meeting, President Tom Sofield, Jr. said the city is unsure of the exact species of trees that will be planted, but the city's Beautification Committee is investigating which types of trees would thrive on the barrier island, where a normal lifespan could be shortened by ocean air and wind. Once the trees are selected, the committee will choose sites where they can be planted.
According to Carole Ann Shada-Geraci, president of the Long Beach Historical and Preservation Society, plane trees were planted throughout the city in the 1930s because the species could thrive in the harsh salt air and high water table. "I guess they didn't take into consideration that trees grow and roots grow larger," said Shada-Geraci of the subsequent damage the trees caused to some sidewalks.
The city said the flat grates will be installed at the base of the trees, which won't constrict the size of the sidewalk and may deter dogs.
Resident Karen Adamo, an avid gardener and self-described "tree hugger," who spoke about the city's tree-planting plans at the April 21 meeting, said "I'm concerned with city spending, so I hope that some thought is put into what kind of trees are going to be placed."
Assit. City Manager Lisa Hirsch said the city may put additional funds into the tree-planting program.
Shada-Geraci said another issue is upkeep and maintenance of the trees. "It's not simply a matter of putting a tree in the ground," she said. "They have to be cared for."
She said that during the 1990s the city took on a large-scaled beautification project in which trees were planted along Broadway and Long Beach Boulevard, and now many of them are dying.
Ford said the project would be great for the city. "Not only will the City look more aesthetically beautiful," she said, "but the trees add health benefits, improves the environment and provide shade on hot summer days."
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