Existing
shrubs and plants will be removed and replanted over the next few
years, with the specimens in the worst condition removed first and trees
in good condition left. Perennials, trees and shrubs will then fill in
over several years, and there won’t be a time when the area looks even
bleaker because a clear-cut was done.
Hiawatha Ave. will soon be a bit prettier as well as more pedestrian friendly.
Hennepin County is working on a plan to improve the landscape along the corridor between 32nd and 46th Streets.
“Hiawatha Ave. is the gateway to Minneapolis for people coming into the city from the airport,” said Robb Luckow of Hennepin County Housing, Community Works, & Transit. “The corridor should welcome people to Minneapolis and to our neighborhoods.”
AMUR MAPLES TO BE REPLACED WITH MORE AND BIGGER TREES
Right now, there are about 400 amur maples located in the boulevards of the road. “The current trees are mature, and at a maximum height of 20 feet, do not fit the grand scale of the corridor,” said Luckow.
“According to our assessment, more than a quarter of the trees are in poor or very poor condition, and many of the rest are reaching their natural life span. There are also significant gaps where trees have been removed and not replaced. In addition, the medians contain some shrubs, but little else.”
This restoration plan seeks to create a more fully developed tree canopy that will provide shade for people on the multi-use trail and people walking to the LRT stations. The number and diversity of trees will be increased. “Trees can help reduce air pollution and improve air quality along Hiawatha Ave.,” pointed out Luckow.
While trees are the main focus of this plan, designers are also looking at opportunities for ground level plantings in key areas. “The project proposed groups of plantings (in 100-300 foot long sections) along the corridor, targeting areas that currently lack tree cover and areas of high visibility,” said Luckow.
Planners are also looking at how stormwater management can be improved in the area, and rain gardens are being considered for 35th, 38th and 42nd.
What types of plants will be used? A mix of native, cultivars of natives, and non-native plantings that can withstand a harsh urban environment have been proposed. Options include large trees such as bur oaks, red maples, honeylocust and hybrid elms; as well as small trees such as crabapples, serviceberry, and Japanese tree lilac. Possible shrubs include autumn fire sedum, daylillies, prairie dropseed and chokeberry. All plants used must be able to tolerate the harsh conditions of the corridor, fit the scale and aesthetics of the area, and require minimal maintenance. Existing trees in good condition will remain.
The project area includes the median, the boulevards on the east and west side of Hiawatha, and the area between the sidewalk/trail and the LRT fence. The project does not include the berm/area west of the LRT line.
COUNTY CONSIDERS COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIPS
A maintenance strategy for the corridor is part of the plan. Following comments at two public meetings on the landscape plan held in December 2013, planners are investigating partnerships with other community groups and volunteer organizations.
Currently, trees are maintained by the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board forestry department. Grass mowing is done by the Minnesota Department of Transportation.
‘PEOPLE ARE EXCITED’
“The plans look great!” said Standish resident Minke Sundseth.
“The plan was well presented and everyone agrees that we are happy to have some attention paid to this gateway to our neighborhood,” said Hiawatha resident Deb Reierson.
“People are excited that this project would make the corridor a more attractive, appealing, and hospitable place for people –versus the bleakness of the current corridor,” said Luckow.
Funding for the project has not yet been designated. Pending funding and approvals, planting could begin in spring 2014, coinciding with other improvements to pedestrian crossings at 32nd, 38th, 42nd, and 46th streets. The project is being designed as a “restoration” so that plantings can be phased in over several years as the existing trees deteriorate, according to Luckow. “This will give the perennials, trees and shrubs time to adjust and grow to fill in without doing a clear cut and waiting several years for it to look good,” added Reierson.
For more information, go to: www.minnehaha-hiawatha.com
Find original story at:
http://www.longfellownokomismessenger.com/hennepin-county-to-transform-hiawatha-ave-from-bleak-to-appealing/
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