FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FEBRUARY 3, 2010

Glendale Public Works Director Steve Zurn announced today that his department is contacting all the property owners in the East Glenoaks area who were recently impacted by tree plantings conducted by the City. Zurn announced that City workers today are delivering letters to the property owners.

Zurn says residents who were scheduled to receive new trees within the public right of way should have been notified in advance. “While this reforestation effort had the best of intentions, it has become clear that we failed in following what is our standard practice for prior notification of residents,” says Zurn. “Our standard practice is to provide notification describing the project that is planned, a minimum of at least 48 hours prior to us arriving to perform the work. This gives residents the opportunity to contact us with any questions, concerns or requests that they may have.” Zurn says that in this case, that did not occur.

The City recently planted 50 trees in the East Glenoaks neighborhood area in response to many requests from residents wanting to re-forest areas where there were no trees or where trees had been removed in the past. The trees are planted in the right of way and the City generally tries to match the “tree palette” of the area and in this case the Canary Island pine is the prominent species. Glendale historically has received the “Tree City USA” award for its urban forest program.

“We take a great deal of pride in our urban forest,” says Zurn. “And, it’s important that we work closely with the residents when it comes time plant new trees,” says Zurn. ““We will work with residents who may be interested in discussing the issues related to the trees or the location of the trees that have been planted in front of their home.”

Residents who have questions or comments can contact Zurn directly at 548-3900 or Dan Hardgrove, Acting Maintenance Services Administrator, at 548-3950.

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