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C TLA DEPART~ENT OF P ~ OFFICE OF GENERAL MANAGER ATLANTA, GEOR~IA 30303 February 12, 1969 JACK C . DELIUS GENERA-L. MANAGER FRED P. WHITLEY ASST . GEN. MAN AGER FRED . W. BOSW~LL ASST. GEN. MANAGER VIRGINIA CARMICHAEL, DIA . OF RECREATION / Mrs.Ann Palmer Moore Chairman, Downtown Beautification Committee Women's Chamber of Commerce of Atlanta 1,, 1101 Commerce Building Atlanta, Georgia 30303 STANLEY T. MARTIN AOMIN. ASSISTANT . - - Dear Mrs. Moore: It was certainly my pleasure meeting with you this past Friday to discuss the selection of trees to be used in the Downtown Beautification Program, along with the problems associated with this project. The success or failure of this vital project will certainly depend in great measure to the level of maintenance afforded these trees. The undersigned has felt all along that the Department of Parks had ___ the primary responsibility for maintaining the healthy growth and appearance of any plant material located on public sidewalk areas in.the downtown business core. However, because of an extreme limitation in budget and personnel, we have not been able to assume responsibility in the past. We have sort of limped along by requesting on an emergency basis a limited amount of overtime to pay our people, etc. As a result, maintenance has not been systematic nor completely sufficient. However, some months ago the City of Atlanta authorized me to employ the second City Parks horticulturist and the position has now been filled by Mr. Jan Bouwmans, originally from Holland. We have in the last few months been able to supply Mr. Bouwmans with a limited work crew and we have a modest budget for shrubbery and tree replacement throughout the City. Thus, it is my feeling that the City of Atlanta is now in the positio_n to do proper maintenance and upkeep on all the do wntown trees, be that whether they are plantid in pot s or placed in the giound. As an aside, we probably will experience continuing difficulties with some of the trees orig inally planted because they have become "potb ound", e t c . �Mrs. Ann Palmer Moore February 12, 1969 Page 2 It appears that Mr. Alexander, our arborist, in cooperation with Mr. John Mixon, the Atlanta Metro Forester, have very carefully researched several types of trees that should do well in the downtown environment. In ~~dition, Mr. Alexander has taken ·a long hard look at the type of container we should use. If we in fact stick to the recommended variety of trees and use the proper container, and fill it with a balanced mixture of good soil and moisture retention material, I have every reason to think we will have a successful tree program for the downtown core. In summary, the purpose of this letter is to state that the Department of Parks will assume responsibility for the maintenance and care of the trees located in the downtown area. We are particularly grateful to you for your many fine services, and I am · ck C. Delius neral Manager of Parks and Recreation JCD:bf cc: J Mayor Ivan Allen Jr. Parks Committee of the Board of Aldermen Mr. Eric Harkness, Planning Department Mr. Pierce Whitley, Assistant General Manager Mr. C. M. Ale xande r, City Arborist Mr. Jan Bouwmans , Horticulturist Mr. Ray Nixon, Chief of Public Works �