Council Backs $4 million in Downtown Improvements

By Olin Ericksen
Staff Writer

October 17 -- Despite a price tag that could top $4 million dollars, City officials last week backed a plan to bring in more light -- and hopefully more business -- to the streets surrounding the Third Street Promenade.

In addition to adding more pedestrian-oriented streetlights to 2nd and 4th streets and curb extensions for street crossings, City planners hope that removing and replacing every other ficus tree with two less canopy-heavy ginkos will lead to increased foot traffic in the area and hopefully more substantial sales for merchants.

“That canopy creates a very dark street,” said Mayor Pam O’Connor. The changes, she said, “will help energize the streets and help the perception that they are safer.”

While all but Council member Kevin McKeown backed the concept -- voting no because trees will be removed -- some expressed reservations about how much money may come out of City coffers.

The project’s cost -- which stands at $3.5 million on paper -- could balloon with construction costs and the possible $600,000 addition of “uplights” to illuminate and accentuate trees to more than $4 million dollars.

“Is it widely known that (the project) is that expensive?” asked Council member Bobby Shriver, who requested that staff study other funding options, including possibly charging assessments on merchants on 2nd and 4th streets.

While grants and other funding will offset much of the costs, the City may end up bankrolling at least half of the project, according to City officials.

The bottom line could increase after the City receives construction bids at a time when building costs are on the rise, cautioned City Manager Susan McCarthy

“My guess is that (building costs) will not be less this amount, but could well be more than this amount,” said McCarthy.

McKeown suggested an amendment sparing the ficus trees, a proposal that would cut the costs by more than $700,000.

“I would not be comfortable with cutting down a single tree,” said McKeown.

However the rest on the council agreed with staff that changing the forestry was a key piece of the project.

“I think this is the best solution, balancing the concerns of people who want to see the trees remain and balancing the concerns of people who want to see more openness,” said Council member Ken Genser.

“Part of the design is bringing in the ginko’s and making that area more light and airy,” he said.

City officials said they work to relocate as many of the ficus trees as possible.