Your guide to NYC's public proceedings.
Q&A
Discussion on street tree planting costs and allocation
0:45:42
ยท
124 sec
Council Member Brewer inquires about the cost of planting street trees and the allocation of funding for tree planting. Commissioner Donoghue provides information on the average cost per tree and the efforts to reduce costs. Deputy Commissioner Greenfeld confirms that previously allocated council member funding for tree planting will be honored during a transition period.
- The average cost to plant a street tree in FY '25 is $3,110, representing a 12% reduction from FY '22
- The Parks Department has implemented measures to reduce costs, including bringing in new contractors
- Previously allocated council member funding for tree planting will be honored during a two-plus year transition period
Gale A. Brewer
0:45:42
How much does it cost?
0:45:43
We all love our street trees, and in my area we've been doing wonderful street tree how to take care of it sessions, and people love it.
0:45:52
So how much does it cost to, I guess, plant one?
0:45:56
And then I I understand your new program, but I assume that those of us who have allocated funding will get the street tree's allocation.
0:46:03
I wanna make sure that that's clear.
0:46:04
So how much does it cost?
0:46:06
And then how long will this new plan take?
0:46:09
Because we all want street street trees.
Susan Donoghue
0:46:11
Absolutely, councilmember, and I so appreciate your support and advocacy around our street trees.
0:46:17
In terms of the cost, the average the citywide cost for FY '25 to plant a street tree is $3,110.
0:46:26
This represents a 12% reduction in street tree planting cost for from f y twenty twenty two.
0:46:34
We're really pleased about that, and it's a testament to the hard work of our forestry division.
0:46:38
They've done a number of things to bring that cost down, including bringing in multiple new contractors, MWEE contractors, looking at every aspect.
0:46:48
So we are seeing that cost coming
Gale A. Brewer
0:46:50
I mean, I I know cost a bit.
0:46:52
That's a lot, but I understand there's some union issues and I'm very supportive of the union.
0:46:56
So I'll let, And then in terms of the fact that we put money in, those of us who did, we will get our allotment this year, and then I guess a new program kicks in.
0:47:05
Is that how it works?
Susan Donoghue
0:47:06
I'm gonna just defer to my Jennifer in terms of how that will work.
0:47:12
Yeah.
0:47:12
She needs to be sworn in.
0:47:13
Thank you.
Natasha Bynum
0:47:17
Please raise your right hand.
0:47:19
Do you affirm to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth before this committee, and to respond honestly to council member questions?
0:47:25
I do.
0:47:26
Thank you.
0:47:27
You may begin when you're ready.
Jennifer Greenfeld
0:47:28
Thank you, council member, for that question.
0:47:30
And, yes, we absolutely will honor the spending of the funding that we have right now that any council member has already given us and committed to us.
0:47:39
So that will be honored and it's a transition period of about two plus years till we get through that process.
Gale A. Brewer
0:47:45
Alright, thank you very much.