GRU has identified five heritage live oaks it will take specific steps to protect during the demolition of 11 deteriorating buildings in the abandoned Power District.
GRU’s vegetation management team, the interim city arborist and the urban forestry inspector recently completed a site assessment and noted the good condition of these particular oaks.
The assessment also documented several other species on the property, including golden raintrees (an invasive exotic), laurel oaks, a southern magnolia, a drake elm, a cherry laurel and a hickory. All of these were found to be in significant decline and poor condition.
Overall, the site contains several old and deteriorated structures, scattered declining trees, and the five live oaks that will be protected as demolition proceeds.
The demolition permit is currently undergoing its first review and is estimated to begin on Sept. 30. No demolition work can begin until the permit has completed the full review process and is approved by all reviewers. As part of that approval, the contractor must include proper protection measures for the identified heritage live oaks.
GRU’s facilities management team is reaching out directly to the contractor to emphasize community concerns about the oaks and to ensure appropriate barricades and protections are planned. GRU’s vegetation management staff will also monitor the demolition to confirm the contractor follows required procedures.
Once the property is sold, GRU will recommend preserving the live oaks to the buyers. Right now, the utility’s primary focus is public safety and the removal of structures that are no longer sound, but tree preservation will remain part of the ongoing conversation as the property’s future is considered.