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[moved from above]Landscap^ ~~~i~ Pleasanton generally has a very green, well-landscaped appearance with extensive informal plantings on private lots contrasted with more formal public street landscaping. Many of the City's streets have developed, or are in the process of developing, a significant canopy of trees which is reminiscent of neighborhoods in older, mature communities. Well designed and maintained landscaping can greatly enhance the ap~~earance of a streetscape. The City maintains over 15 000 trees near streets while private home and business owners maintain o~~ cr 60,000 trees. Pleasanton's t3ce~-business parks contribute significantly to the city's landscape character through the special attention ~e-given to the appearance of streets and intersections within their boundaries. [n some areas of the city, such as near the intersection of West I.as Positas Boulevard and Foothill Road, landscaping is sparse where future road widening and interchange improvements are, or were~anricipated. u,.~:..~a,, n__..:~...... n....~_ ,. _ , Native landscaping has been planted in several areas, especially along Foothill Koad. New native landscaping often complements the existing hillside landscaping and reminds people of northern California's past. When allowed to grow naturally, native landscaping is attractive and sustainable. Native landscaping needs little to no watering within a few years of planting, if the planted area is large enough to adequately accommodate its growth. "Throughout the city there are several areas containing landscaped parkwav strips between the sidewalk and street curb. These enhance the small-town character of the city and improve a pedestrian's sense of safety due to the physical separation between the sidewalk and street. Typically these strips measure five feet or less in width. whereas a width of six to ten feet is needed for trees to meet their growth otential and/or survive in the long term. There are locations in the city where landscaped parkway strips could be added along street edges to soften their appearance and improve the pedestrian experience. [moved from above] Public ~-~at~ Signage The visual and informational quality of signage in Pleasanton varies widely. 'T'here is a proliferation of new traffic signs. Penal codes often reuuire multiple traffic si~is to be installed, if the posted information is to be enforced. - -. Signage directing visitors to the Downtown lacks distinctive design and is somewhat ineffective because of the smallness of the lettering in the context of vehicular traffic speeds. Community Character 011607 redline 1 ~-1J 1 /03/217