Our readers have surely noticed areas in Uptown devoid of trees in the parkways. Did you know that you can call 311 and request a tree planting free of charge? This is our challenge to you:
Walk around your neck of the woods in Uptown and if you see any spot missing a tree between the sidewalks and streets, take note of the nearest address and call 311 to request a tree planting. It's that simple and it takes just a minute to do. We have heard that the city plants trees in the spring so we need to get as many requests in as possible. Use the comment section here to record where you requested a tree planting. Get crackin'!
What about on Broadway in front of the Aldi? There was just one missing tree when I moved in last summer, than in the fall they cut down two more large, seemingly healthy trees and replaced them with nothing. Of course these are just down the block from the Alderwoman's office, so while I would think an elected official would like their part of the block to look as green as possible, I'm not sure how much Schiller cares about Uptown anymore. Do I need to call from a Chicago phone, or can my cell dial 311 just as well?
ReplyDelete-Brian
I could be wrong on this, but I believe you have to own the property adjacent to the parkway in order to request the service.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great program though, so I encourage anyone who qualifies to call!
I believe you have to own the property adjacent to the parkway in order to request the service.
ReplyDeleteHeh.
Well, considering how much TIF$ was used to get Aldi/Target/WY built, I'd say a valid argument for community ownership could be made.
Additionally, I think I remember during the WYTIF amendment meeting, we were told that TIF$ would also be used for community beautification.
So, if the city funds new trees via general revenue, we'd actually be paying for any trees twice.
1. That sucks if true, anyone should be able to encourage the city to plant more trees. 2. After looking at the trees I referred to using Google StreetView, you can see that the three of them are in bad and worse shape, so I guess they were already dead or dying. Still, I see no reason why when one tree goes, another isn't replanted to fill it's place.
ReplyDelete-Brian
I've called 311 for trees all over Uptown. It has never been an issue of whether I owned the property adjacent to the treeless space. This was never questioned...and 9 times out of 10 the trees get planted. Call 311 folks!
ReplyDeleteYou do not need to be the owner of the property to get trees planted. Please feel free to call 311 to request tree planting. It might take a few seasons to get to your request filled but they will be planted.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, if you do get a tree planted on your parkway, please take the time to water it during its first summer. It's frustrating to see newly planted trees neglected and eventually dead. Trees planted in the fall seem to have a better chance of survival but they all need water.
I called 311 to request a tree planting to replace the one that was damaged and cut down after a storm last year. Of course my first call they (accidentally?) hung up on me. I called back and the girl transferred me to the 38th ward office. I hung up. I lost my patience quickly.
ReplyDeleteLB----I'm sorry this wasn't a successful endeavor. I'm not sure what the problem was. I call all the time for tree trimming and planting and have not had problems.
ReplyDeleteIf you prefer, you can Google 311 Chicago and it will take you to City Services. There you can submit a report for Tree Debris Removal, Tree Trimming, Tree Removal or Tree Planting. Hope this helps.
---Woody