From: 	Jeff Tarling
To:	Jean Fraser
CC:	David Margolis-Pineo
Date: 	5/2/2013 11:05 AM
Subject: 	Congress Street project

Hi Jean -
 
In review of the revised landscape plan for the 2282 Congress Street project:
 
The recent landscape plan increases the tree planting and campus feel as requested,
however would like to offer the following recommendations / conditions:
 
a) Congress Street edge -  In the location of the proposed 'picnic area' would like
to see a greater amount of tree save / thinning then clearing.  The existing birch trees
and native vegetation can be thinned to allow for the garden, the value of the screening
and tree save is a higher value in regards to the overall landscape function.  I can 
meet with the applicant project team if helpful.
 
b)  Tree Saves -  I would like to see a greater attempt to save the mature existing trees
along the project edges.  These White Pine in particular offer important structure
to the current landscape feel.  Reducing the pavement edge along the west & Skyway Drive
edge by either narrowing the driveways / parking lot or shifting the built development away
from the edges.  The tree save areas should be shown or mentioned on the plan and protected
in the field following our standard 'tree-save' recommendations.  This would include the 
area along Congress Street and the important Shagbark Hickory.
 
c)  Additional trees along the parking lot -  In the area near the stormwater feature the
recent plan did not show the additional trees requested.  Having trees & / or shrubs
is important so this area does not appear void of vegetation.  We should be able
to resolve this with an additional grouping of three to five trees.  I can meet to review
this condition as well if needed.

Overall the revised landscape plan is improved, following up on the possible planting
on the Maine Turnpike / City street right of way (outside the UNITEL right of way)
is hopeful.

Thanks,

Jeff Tarling
City Arborist