Downtown businesses and city working to solve tree problem
On Monday, Margaret Scott of Savage’s Bakery and other downtown business owners asked the special issues committee to find a solution to flooding problems caused by 18th Street South’s trees. By Wednesday, Scott said the city had already taken action.
Due to leaves and other debris from trees on the 18th Street sidewalks, several businesses have experienced flooding, leaks and even electrical fires after their roof drains have been clogged in storms. These included Savage’s, a.k.a. Girl Stuff and Four Seasons Gallery.
Scott said some of the trees became a problem once they grew over the roofline of neighboring buildings, and the trees are expected to increase in size. As the trees grow, she worries that full tree limbs will begin falling on store roofs and awnings. The root systems have also cracked some sections of sidewalk.
“My dad is an avid gardener, [and] actually planted a garden in the back alley. He loves trees, just as I do, and that is why only the trees that are causing property damage are of concern,” Scott said.
At the Aug. 17 committee meeting, business owners and Chip Watts of Watts Realty said they didn’t feel trimming back the branches would be an effective long-term solution. They requested that the city seek out another answer, such as removing the trees and replacing them with a smaller species.
“Not only do the business owners want relief from roof damages that incur unnecessary monthly expenses, but we all want the city, and especially 18th Street, to remain one of the most beautiful streets in Homewood's business district,” Scott said.
The city has already trimmed back the problem trees, which Scott said hasn’t been done in over two years, while they look for a long-term solution. Environmental specialists have also been looking at the situation.