Spring is here and the Downtown BID is ready to do its part to slough off winter’s decay and put on a bright and shining face! Our annual Spring Initiative focuses on enlivening the sidewalks with new trees, sprucing up tree boxes with bright flowers and hanging colorful flower baskets throughout the neighborhood. Private building owners join in the effort to beautify the Downtown by contributing their own sidewalk amenities during the season. There’s something new to discover at the turn of every corner.
New this year is our Tree Management Program. In partnership with the Casey Tree Foundation, DC Urban Forestry Administration and area property managers, we are analyzing the status of Downtown trees and devising a strategy to isolate the causes of tree mortality. Using our tree rating and collection methodology, we will assess factors that influence tree life cycles such as type of tree, location, environmental conditions, etc. Our plan is to collaborate with a local university that specializes in this type of analysis, in an effort to reduce tree mortality.
In addition, Casey Tree Foundation arborists will train property managers and Downtown BID Safety and Maintenance personnel (SAMs) to monitor and care for trees. Trained property managers will be asked to assume responsibility for the health and care of trees within a proximate area of their buildings.
You may have noticed new lighting fixtures throughout the Downtown. In partnership with the DC Department of Transportation, the BID is working to upgrade the cobra lights currently in place with new and more ornate pole arms and caps. Approximately 30% of all cobra poles located at Downtown intersections will get a new look. The newly capped poles also will get a fresh coat of black paint.