Ventura : Panel Delays Voting on Trees for Park
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The Ventura Parks and Recreation Commission has delayed a decision about planting 67 palm trees in Marina Park because neighbors say it will block their ocean views and prevent people from flying kites.
Three commissioners will meet with city staff members to address residents’ concerns, said Bill Byerts, superintendent of Ventura’s parks. On Wednesday, the commission decided that an alternative plan was needed after hearing objections from neighbors, Byerts said.
Ventura had planned to put in 67 Mexican fan palm trees in July as part of a $258,000 improvement of the 14-acre park, but neighbors were able to stall the project by complaining to the City Council and the Parks and Recreation Commission. Some of the 15- to 20-foot trees would block ocean views and ruin a popular kite-flying spot, neighbors said. Residents also say the city would not properly maintain the trees.
Parks and recreation staff say the reforestation is necessary to replace some of the 200 trees that have been lost over the years.
An alternate plan will be presented Nov. 18, Byerts said, but the earliest any trees would be planted would be in the spring.
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