PUBLIC WORKS: 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW | |
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In 2023, the City of Albany Public Works Department:
- Distributed 30+ cubic yards of sand to residents and responded to several storm-related issues including prevention of flooding during an unprecedented winter storm season
- Enhanced services in all City parks to help keep our parks clean and enjoyable for all community members
- Installed new batting cage netting and windscreens at the Memorial Park ballfield, along with a new slide at Jewel’s Terrace Park
- Planted over 80 street trees and continued caring for the City’s urban forest
- Applied compost on lawns and fields and mulch along the Ohlone Greenway to help maintain and enhance our natural environment
- Launched the planning phase of the Albany Hill Eucalyptus Project with a community workshop and site walk, and created an internship program for a Habitat Restoration Intern
- Conducted major street construction and improvements on Marin Avenue
- Completed sidewalk repairs at 95 locations, totaling 14,200 sq ft, as part of Phases 7 & 8 of the Sidewalk Repair Program
- Hosted a community workshop for collaborative discussion on street lighting opportunities as part of the Citywide Streetlighting Evaluation Project to inform planning for future upgrades to the City’s lighting infrastructure
- Installed speed bumps to help improve safety as part of the Citywide Traffic Calming Project
And much more!
Our progress is made possible by various funding sources, including local Measure P1 (Sidewalk Parcel Tax), Measure M (Parks & Open Space), and Measure F (Street & Storm Drain Parcel Tax).
Road rehab and bike/pedestrian improvements are made possible in part by regional funding from Measures B/BB/VRF (administered by Alameda County Transportation Commission) and State SB1/RMRA (administered by the State Controller’s Office). The Albany Hill Eucalyptus Project is supported by a grant from the CA State Coastal Conservancy’s Wildfire Resilience Program.
We take pride in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of our City and your help is key in keeping Albany the vibrant and thriving community we all enjoy. To submit a service request, please visit the City’s Service Request page or call 1(510) 524-9543. To view or receive current project and construction updates, click the button below. We look forward to another year of hard work and meaningful progress!
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DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE | |
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Observed annually on the 3rd Monday in January, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service. This year the holiday will be observed on Monday, January 15 – which coincides with the actual day of Dr. King’s birth on January 15, 1929. A “Get Engaged, Commit to Serve” interactive kiosk has been set up at the Community Center to display local organizations that provide volunteer opportunities.
Stop by anytime until January 16th to check out volunteer opportunities and honor Dr. King’s legacy by making a commitment to serve your community. The kiosk will be staffed for in-person assistance on Thursday, January 11th from 2-7pm and Friday, January 12th from 9am-2pm.
For more information, or to add a volunteer resource, please contact the Recreation & Community Services Department at (510) 524-9283.
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STREET TREE MANAGEMENT PLAN UPDATES | The Street Tree Management Plan (STMP) is working on Phase 2 and would like the feedback of the community. Check out the STMP Website, learn about Albany’s urban forestry plans and see how to get involved. | |
APPLY FOR A FREE STREET TREE PLANTING TODAY | |
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Don’t delay in submitting your street tree planting application! Property owners can apply to have a street tree planted by the City in the public right-of-way adjacent to their property at no-cost. Planting and concrete removal fees are waived, per Resolution No. 2021-102, to support the City’s climate action goals.
To apply:
- Review the Approved Street Tree List to select a tree. Consult with the City's Urban Forester for guidance in selecting the best species and location for planting or creation of a tree basin.
- Complete the Street Tree Planting Application and mail to Albany Public Works at 540 Cleveland Ave. Albany, CA 94710. The form can also be emailed to UrbanForestry@albanyca.org.
Each year’s planting project includes a site inspection by the Urban Forester to assess the suitability of the location for a street tree. Factors considered when selecting a planting site include underground utilities, overhead high voltage powerlines, fire hydrants, signs, distance from street corners and driveways, and size of the street tree at maturity.
While applications are accepted year-round, if the City is unable to include submissions in the current cycle to ensure planting is completed under optimal weather conditions, your applications will be included in the following planting cycle.
For additional information including tree care guidelines and resources, please visit the Urban Forestry webpage. For further assistance, contact Public Works at (510) 524-9543 or email Urban Forestry at UrbanForestry@albanyca.org.
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HOLIDAY LIGHTS & STREET TREES | |
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Decorative lighting on trees can add a unique vibrancy to a neighborhood or commercial corridor during the holiday season. If you're planning on enhancing the beauty of your tree and block with outdoor lighting, follow these best practices to ensure a safe and spectacular display:
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Inspect your lights and cords for burned-out bulbs, frayed wires, or other signs of wear and tear. Consider using a weatherproof lightbox and certified outdoor LED string lights for greater energy efficiency and protection against winter elements to extend the life of your lights.
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Hang decorations on a sturdy, mature tree. Young, fragile trees may not withstand the weight of lights, potentially causing damage to developing buds and branches.
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Do not use nails or a staple gun to secure lights onto your street tree as they can harm your tree's bark or branches. Draping over branches is the best method for your tree’s long-term health.
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Timely removal is also essential for preserving the health of your street tree. Lights wrapped around a tree's trunk and/or branches for an extended period can cause girdling which interrupts the flow of nutrients and stresses your tree.
With proper preparation, your illuminated trees can elevate the beauty of your block while promoting safety for you and your neighbors this holiday season! For more information and best practices on caring for your street tree year-round, please visit the Urban Forestry webpage.
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Are you an artist? A storyteller? A poet? A creative individual eager to reveal yourself through your creative process?
Seen&Heard is calling on YOU to contribute to our community's vibrant tapestry of visions and voices. This inclusive community arts project welcomes submissions from all walks of life and invites you to express yourself through various art forms
The deadline to apply is February 3, 2024. Visit website for more info on the project and how to submit: www.seen-n-heard.org.
| ARBOR WEEK POSTER CONTEST | |
Each year, California kicks off Arbor Week (March 7 – 14) with a Youth Poster Contest. During Arbor Week, we celebrate how trees make our neighborhoods cooler, healthier, and safer for everyone.
Join the celebration! California ReLeaf invites California Youth age 5 -12 to creatively share their love and knowledge of trees in a piece of art. This year’s theme is “I ❤️ Trees Because…”
Trees can make a big difference in creating healthy communities, which is why it is so important that we plant and care for trees all over California, especially in communities that don’t have enough tree cover.
Entry Due Date: Monday, February 12, 2024
| The information provided in this section does not constitute an endorsement or approval by the City of Albany of any products, services or opinions of the organization. The City of Albany bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external sites or for that of subsequent links. Contact the external site for answers to questions regarding its content. | | | | |
