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<br />lmoved from ahovelLandscape Chllraetering
<br />
<br />Pleasanton generally has a very green, well-landscaped appearance with extensive informal plantings on
<br />private lots contrasted with more formal public street landscaping. Many of the City's streets have
<br />developed, or arc in the process of developing, a significant canopy of trees which is reminiscent of
<br />neighborhoods in older, mature communities. \'{/ell designed and maintained landscaping can greatly
<br />enhance the appearance of a streetscape. 'l1,e City maintains over 15,000 trees near streets while
<br />private home and business owners maintain over 60,000 trees. Pleasanton's new-business parks
<br />contribute significantly to the city's landscape character through the special attention the) I.a. e !,,.;ven to
<br />the appearance of streets and intersections within their boundaries. In S0t11C areas of the city. such as
<br />near the intersection of West Las Positas Boulevard and Foothill Road, landscaping is sparse where
<br />future roao widening and interchange improvclncnts arc, or were, anticipated. IlaciclH.h Bu.linLu Parl{
<br />l.a.1 created strong identifying fc.,lure, ..ith iu .ueh ,trHetme.l, l~nd.lea(1ing at interJecti"n., and ,'pceial
<br />,trect ,igna1\e. Other fcattll'c', ,uch a, the entry fountain and ,wll'tllle at the Bcrnal C'"pur.tte p.lYl"
<br />atltl-visual intcre't and an 5.crall.!cll.le of 'lualitj to the Citl, a, ..ell aJ di.!tineti.enc." to the .lreeial
<br />Citj ",barea.1 in "hieh the) occur.
<br />
<br />Native landscaping has been planted In several areas, especially along Foothill Road. New natlve
<br />landscaping often complements the existing hillside landscaping and reminds people of northern
<br />California's past. \,{/hen allowed to grow naturally, native landscaping is attractive and sustainable.
<br />Native landscaping needs little to no watering within a few years of planting, if the planted area is large
<br />enough to ade'luately accommodate its growth.
<br />
<br />'l11toughout the city there arc several areas containing landscaped parkway strips between tllC sidewalk
<br />and street curb. 'l1,ese enhance the small-town character of the city and improve a pedestrian's sense
<br />of safety due to the physical separation between the sidewalk and street. Typically these strips measure
<br />five feet or less in width, whereas a widtll of si.x to ten feet is needed for trees to meet their growth
<br />potential and/or survive in tlle long tenn.
<br />
<br />'l1,ere are locarions in the city where landscaped parkway strips could be added along street edges to
<br />soften their appearance and improve the pedestrian experienee,
<br />
<br />[moved from above] Public and Private Signagc
<br />
<br />'l1lC visual and informational 'luality of signage in Pleasanton varies widely, There is a proliferation of
<br />new traffic signs, Penal codes often require multiple traffic signs to be installed, if the posted
<br />infonnation is to be enforced. Public ,isnage i, generall) b"ek!',round in character. Signage directing
<br />visitors to the Downtown lacks distinctive design and is somewhat ineffective because of the smallness
<br />of the lettering in the context of vehicular traffic speeds. Pri,ate ,igna!',e . "ic.. from extre,.1dy
<br />,.ell dC3;gned and dfeea.e to .i..ualll ..e..k and ineffeeti.e in aehic.inS it.ll'urr5Je of identification
<br />and info...."ti"n uan,fcr.
<br />
<br />Community Character 011607 mlhnc
<br />
<br />10-13
<br />
<br />1/3/'}JXl7
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