Tree journey of 125 feet has begun downtown

Yesterday, the city of Austin began the monthlong process of relocating the final tree to be preserved under the Tree Preservation Agreement of the 2012 Green Water Treatment Plant Master Development Agreement. The 28-inch diameter heritage live oak will be moving about 125 feet – from Cesar Chavez Street to its new home on the bank of Shoal Creek. According to a press release about the move, “The new tree location will provide an immediate environmental amenity to the banks of Shoal Creek across from the New Central Library and allow Trammell Crow Company to maximize the development of Block 185 as directed by the Austin City Council in initiating the redevelopment process. … The City’s Arborist in the Development Services Department along with the Watershed Protection Department have partnered with the Economic Development Department to ensure a seamless tree relocation project.” The tree is one saved after public outcry and about a year of negotiation with the city, which had initially waived the Heritage Tree Ordinance for the development.