Embedded Files
This is a Summary That I Wrote for Mayor Milner,
the Parks Department, and City Council
What we all want: Smith-Hazel outdoor facilities need improvement. This can be done without destroying any trees or bulldozing and levelling the park.
Funding: Improvements at Smith-Hazel Park are being funded by a grant from the Land and Water Conservation Fund matched by city funds. The grant provides a one-for-one replacement of existing facilities. One additional basketball court, so, new total will be two basketball courts is funded.
Problems:
• According to the city, the current basketball court is in a DOT right of way and cannot be improved with grant funding. For this reason, the Basketball court must be relocated.
• When the basketball court is relocated trees must be removed and the tree removal and additional hard impermeable surface will cause stormwater runoff.
• The Smith-Hazel Park is 30’ higher than surrounding properties.
• The additional stormwater runoff will require a retention pond to be constructed.
• The additional stormwater runoff and retention pond will require significant grading work all over the park, destroying not only the trees, but groundcover and surface soil and will substantially change the topography and character of the park.
• A retention pond is a dangerous and attractive nuisance for children. Even with a fence. This is a lost recreation area in a park that is already small.
• Relocating the playground will result in substantial cost and destroying two grand trees (more than 6’4’ around the trunk) longleaf pines may be between 300-400 years old.
• The new locations of basketball and playground will require ADA approved access which requires more pavement and results in more storm water runoff.
• As far as we know, the city has not conducted any study into the storm water runoff problem that they are creating. The adjacent Perry Park and residences sit 30’ below Smith-Hazel.
• The city does not have funding for any additional amenities but has decided to remove all 68 trees and do all site grading in advance.
• Parking will be added where the basketball court is now. This will require substantial grading and the addition of a more impermeable surface will cause more stormwater runoff. Water and sediment will run into the street and neighboring properties.
• No study has been done to determine the need for more parking, although approx. 62 spaces are being added. No study has been done to understand the traffic that will be generated. We do not know the capacity of the current building. There are currently 73 parking spaces.
• The city has not released information on the destruction of 68 trees and substantial earthwork to be done to the public at any time. No public hearings have been held. Only Bill McGhee has been given this information, after months of requests, and only on January 12, 2024.
• The Neighborhood Association, Schofield Community Association, has expressed important concerns about the city plan.
• The Parks Commission voted to pause the project.
• 1200 citizens have sent emails requesting a pause and a public hearing.
• The city will not release the mandatory tree inventory list for Smith Hazel Park.
• The city conducted a survey of citizens at two public meetings held at Smith-Hazel in December 2022. Thirty-nine people responded. Although it was asked, no information was given about the sitework and tree destruction. This is the only survey of residents and does not justify any of the city’s plan. In fact, the most requested amenity, outdoor bathrooms (18 times), are not being built, and the respondents specifically asked for “less pickleball” (11 times), “less basketball courts” (8 times), more parking (8 times), also “no pickleball”, no “hammock garden”
(12 times) (yes, that’s a thing) and “more green space”, “keep the trees.”
• Removing 68 mature trees and replacing them with impermeable surface will not only cause significant storm water runoff but will also raise the temperature at the park. There will be no shade. The long term, unfunded plan for the park will cover 80% of the park with impermeable, heat retaining, reflective surfaces.
• The LWC fund Grant money expires on October 1, 2024
• The removal of 68 trees, substantial grading, retention pond, demolition and moving existing amenities are all costly
• Pickleball is loud and basketball is louder. The plan for four pickleball courts, three basketball courts and three tennis courts will be loud in this residential neighborhood. This is the source of complaints and lawsuits in other neighborhoods. As far as we know, the city has done no study, or survey and has not notified any neighbors of the potential noise issue.
• There are city ordinances regarding the removal of trees. As far as we know, the city has not done surveys needed to establish the exact distance of trees being destroyed from the road. City ordinances specifically state that no grand trees may be removed unless there is absolutely no alternative, and other protections are also included. We do not know if any other options have been explored as seem to be required by ordinance.
Solutions:
• Pause the project until citizens can be heard at a public hearing.
• Look into extending the Land & Water Conservation Fund grant funding deadline.
• Fund the badly needed basketball court improvements with a different source of funding. Fix the court where it is.
• Learn about the “right of way” issue and see if something can be negotiated with DOT. This has been successfully done by the city several times in the past.
• Fix the tennis courts where they are. Line them for tennis and pickleball. Two courts surrounded by trees will not create a noise nuisance for neighbors.
• Leave the trees alone.
• Do not bulldoze and grade the park.
• Do not put in a retention pond. The park is only 4.75 acres and does not currently need a retention pond. The limited space must be used wisely, not wasted on a retention pond. Stagnate water, the attractive and dangerous nuisance a retaining pond is for neighborhood children, storm water runoff, sediment runoff into the streets and neighborhood are not existing problems. They are problems this plan will create. Do not create problems.
• The existing trees do a wonderful job of providing shade, habitat for birds and animals, and catching storm water in their canopies, letting it run down their trunks and be absorbed by their roots. Let them continue to do the job.
• Utilize the 25 acres adjacent to Smith-Hazel at Perry Memorial Park, for additional park facilities IF they are needed. If necessary, work with the school system on this project. Perhaps they’d also be able to use tennis courts or other amenities. The two parks could be managed as one and combined would be about 30 acres. Odell Weeks is 44 acres.
• Utilize the underdeveloped 118-acre Generations Park for other amenities.
• Be transparent and work with citizens instead of against them. Be willing to answer questions fully. Always be honest. Admit mistakes. Provide great service. Represent citizens accurately and fairly.
• Encourage communication between citizens and City Council by responding to correspondence. Hold regular meetings in each district with councilmen to facilitate communication and diminish animosity.
My Smith Hazel Public Flyer
Some news about Smith -Hazel Recreation Center
The City of Aiken is trying to improve the park, and that is what we all want!
We all want this park to be a wonderful place, but how do we get there?
Here are a few facts:
· The Smith -Hazel renovations are two different projects. The first is the interior work which is already underway. The second is the parkland, where work is about to begin.
· The park project is being funded by several sources. The city has worked hard to obtain the funding needed for the project. One source is a grant from the Federal Government called the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This grant has some rules. The city must provide money equal to the grant money. So, if the grant is $250k, then the city has to match this amount, and they have done that, using tax money. The grant money has an expiration date. The park project must be completed before October 1, 2024, or the city will lose the grant and will need to fund the project with different money. Another rule is that the grant money will only pay to replace or improve existing things in the park. It will not pay for anything that isn’t already here.
· The city tax money and the federal grant will pay for one basketball court, one playground, one pavilion and so on. The city was also able to obtain funding from a third source so they will also be able to build an additional basketball court now. Other than the second basketball court there will not be any additional amenities added to the park at this time.
The relocation of the existing basketball court and the addition of another court will require major changes. The land will have to be flat, and trees will be removed to make room for new courts. This will cause storm water runoff, so a retaining pond will have to be dug and built. It will be built where the playground is now. It will be about as big as the swimming pool and will be 30’ deep.
On the attached map, see the bold looking rectangle? That is the new retaining pond. You can also see the new courts. The squiggly lines show where the ground gets higher, as it goes up the hill. Each line is five feet of rise of the ground’s surface. All the areas with the squiggly lines will be bulldozed and made level.
When the playground becomes a retaining pond a new playground will be built. The new playground will have artificial turf, not grass. It will be built in the area along the existing parking lot, so the trees will be cut down. The new playground will create more storm water runoff and will have no shade.
Eventually, when/if the city gets additional funding, they will add many more amenities including 65 more parking places where the basketball court currently sits, four pickleball courts, a third basketball court, a third tennis court, an outdoor game area, maybe even a hammock garden.
These improvements will cover about 80% of the park with surfaces, like concrete, that will not allow the rain to soak in and combined with the removal of 50% of the trees there will be substantial runoff and it will be hot.
The unfunded long-range plan requires levelling most of the park for the many courts, and to control the stormwater runoff. The city intends to do all the tree removal and all of the bulldozing that will be needed in advance. All the bulldozing and the removal of 68 (about half) of the trees in the park will begin immediately.
Some have described the plan for Smith-Hazel as building a recreation center where a park used to be.
The park is about 4.75 acres. It currently has 141 trees; some are 300-400 years old. 68 trees will be cut down. No new trees will be planted.
These are substantial changes, and some citizens are concerned. Recently a letter writing campaign on the internet produced more than a thousand letters in just four days asking the city to pause this park project before it begins and to hold a public hearing so the plan can be better explained, and citizens can ask questions and discuss it, on the record with the city leaders all in attendance.
Some citizens concerns are the cutting of 68 trees, the grading and stormwater runoff, the noise and increased traffic, the lack of public input in the process, the overcrowding of the park, the loss of grass and green space, the Summer months with no shade trees, and the change in the character and permanent change in the land at the park.
The city did hold meetings during the design process and did conduct a survey at Smith-Hazel in December 2022. The survey results indicated that most wanted outdoor restrooms, additional parking and less basketball, less or no pickleball, more green space. No outdoor bathrooms will be built. The city did not reveal the extent of the work, bulldozing and tree cutting that would happen at the park at these meetings.
No pause or public hearing has been announced. The mayor will hold a meeting on Saturday 2/10 at the park at 9:30. City Council will meet at City Hall on Monday 2/12 at 7:00 and comments can be made at that time.
For more information email me at
My Speech Given at Smith Hazel Park February 2024
Good morning. Thank you for coming.
Thank you to our mayor for suggesting this meeting.
Anyone who comes out to the park on a chilly grey morning is someone who cares about the park and the neighborhood. We are all here because we care.
The City of Aiken is trying to improve the park, and that is what we all want. Please raise your hand if you want to see Smith-Hazel Park improved
Everyone is here because we want this park to be a place we can all enjoy and be proud of.
Please raise your hand if you’re here because you care about this park and this neighborhood and this town.
We all want this park to be a wonderful place, but how do we get there?
Now, here are a few facts: The Smith -Hazel renovations are two different projects. The first is the interior work which is already underway. The second is the parkland, where work is about to begin.
The park project is being funded by several sources. The city has worked hard to obtain the funding needed for the project. One source is a grant from the Federal Government called the Land and Water Conservation Fund. This grant has some rules. The city must provide money equal to the grant money. So if the grant is $250k, then the city must match this amount, and they have done that, using tax money. The grant money has an expiration date. The park project must be completed before October 1, 2024, or the city will lose the grant money that they worked hard to get. Another rule is that the grant money will only pay to replace or improve existing things in the park. It will not pay for anything that isn’t already here.
So, the city tax money and the federal grant will pay for one basketball court, one playground, one pavilion and so on. The city was also able to obtain funding from a third source so they will also be able to build an additional basketball court now. Other than the second bb court there will not be any additional amenities added to the park at this time.
However, the relocation of the existing bball court and the addition of another court will require major changes. The land will have to be flat, and trees will be removed to make room for new courts. This will cause storm water runoff, so a retaining pond will have to be dug and built. It will be built where the playground is now. It will be about as big as the swimming pool and will be 30’ deep.
See your map. The bold looking rectangle is the new retaining pond. You can see the new courts. The squiggly lines show where the ground gets higher. Each line is five feet of rise of the grounds surface. All the area with the squiggly lines will have to be bulldozed and made level.
Of course, when the playground becomes a retaining pond a new playground will be built. The new playground will have artificial turf, not real grass. It will be built in the area along the existing parking lot, so these trees will be cut down. The new playground will create more storm water runoff.
Eventually, when the city acquires additional funding, the goal is to add many more amenities including 65 more parking places where the basketball court currently sits, four pickleball courts, a third bb court, a third tennis court an outdoor game area, maybe even a hammock garden.
These improvements will cover about 80% of the park with surfaces, like concrete, that will not allow the rain to soak in and combined with the removal of 50% of the trees there will be substantial runoff and it will be hot.
Some have described the plan as building a recreation center where a park once was.
The unfunded long-range plan requires levelling most of the park for the many courts, and to control the stormwater runoff. The city intends to do all the tree removal and the bulldozing that will be needed in advance. All the bulldozing and the removal of 68 (about half) of the trees in the park will begin immediately.
Now, just one more thing before we get to hear from our new mayor, if you live within a mile of the park would you please move to the front of the group? We all care about the park, but you will be the most affected by the changes.
My Freedom of Information Act Research on the Smith Hazel Park Renovation
Request #40-2024
Please provide all the City's original RFP and all bids and plans submitted to the City for consideration regarding the Smith Hazel remodel and updates, both inside and outside the building. To include the complete project.
Dear Lisa Ann Smith:The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number Request Number: 40-2024 submitted on 1/28/2024 at 1:14:50 pm through which you requested the following information: Please provide all the City's original RFP and all bids and plans submitted to the City for consideration regarding the Smith Hazel remodel and updates, both inside and outside the building. To include the complete project. Attached are all documents released to date for the Smith Hazel upgrades. Not all renovations and updates were required to go to bid and some will be bid at a future date as the project progresses. Services from Cranston Engineering were procured via the existing Indefinite Delivery Contract with the City of Aiken.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Please provide all of the details of the study and/or survey used to determine the needs and wants of the Community that were used to create the plan for the Smith Hazel Recreation Center inside and outside of the building work.
Ms. Smith: The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 2:49:21 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide all of the details of the study and/or survey used to determine the needs and wants of the Community that were used to create the plan for the Smith Hazel Recreation Center inside and outside of the building work.
The City of Aiken has attached the documents responsive to your request. There was also a public hearing at Smith Hazel on February 10, 2024.
Additionally, it should be noted that the Smith-Hazel exterior renovation was a voter approved Capital Projects Sales Tax-4 project. The City's LWCF grant to help support CPST funds mandates 1-1 regarding amenities, meaning these items could not go to public comment to determine those needs. It also means that that if a basketball court exists, a basketball court must be replaced. If a playground exists, a playground must be replaced. If tennis courts exist, tennis courts must be replaced. If a trail exists, a trail must be replaced. Those items are non-negotiable. The public was asked to help select playground design and any additional amenities outside of the scope of the grant funds for future improvements. The Smith-Hazel interior renovation was also a voter approved CPST4 project, specifically for ADA accessibility. The public did provide input during City Council on gymnasium flooring and bathroom upgrades, which has been approved.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
City Solicitor & Staff Attorney
No news here, just what Laura Lance has already shown us. These are the only input/comments that the city solicited and received
Comments Remove Hammock Garden,Fewer Pickleball Courts Remove Hammock Garden,Fewer Basketball Courts "More basketball, pickleball,and tennis court. Redesign walking trail to go around the trees. Keep the trees." Fewer Basketball Courts,Use gravel instead of asphalt Bike station/park bikes & with station and pump Remove Hammock Garden,Add Pickleball Remove Hammock Garden Enlarge pool Larger swimming pool More Parking,Pickleball courts 3 tennis courts Fewer Pickleball Courts,Fewer Basketball Courts Remove Hammock Garden,Fewer Pickleball Courts More Parking,Fewer Basketball Courts More Parking More Parking,More shelter Fewer Pickleball Courts Need 4 basketball courts Add Outdoor Restrooms,More Parking Asphalt Walking Trail,Remove Hammock Garden,Add Outdoor Restrooms Fewer Basketball Courts,Fewer Pickleball Courts,More Parking,Need more Green Space,Add Outdoor Restrooms Remove Hammock Garden,Fewer Basketball Courts,Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms,Fewer Pickleball Courts Add Outdoor Restrooms Remove Hammock Garden,Fewer Pickleball Courts,Add Outdoor Restrooms Remove Hammock Garden,Fewer Pickleball Courts,Add Outdoor Restrooms More Parking,Fewer Pickleball Courts,Remove Hammock Garden,Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms Fewer Basketball Courts,Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms Asphalt Walking Trail,More Parking,Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms,Fewer Pickleball Courts,Fewer Basketball Courts Fewer Pickleball Courts,Remove Hammock Garden,Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms Labyrinth,Fewer Pickleball Courts,Add Outdoor Restrooms No Pickleball Courts,Remove Hammock Garden,Add Outdoor Restrooms Remove Hammock Garden,No Pickleball Courts,Add Outdoor Restrooms Add Outdoor Restrooms,More Parking,Asphalt Walking Trai
Comments:
Remove Hammock Garden, (this is mentioned 13 times)
Fewer Pickleball Courts (this is mentioned 11 times)
No Pickleball Courts (mentioned 2 times)
Fewer Basketball Courts (this is mentioned 8 times)
More Parking (this is mentioned 9 times)
Outdoor Restrooms (this is mentioned 22 times)
Asphalt Walking Trail (this is mentioned 3 times)
Add pickleball (mentioned 2 times)
Add more basketball, Need 4 basketball courts
Tennis court, 3 tennis courts
Redesign walking trail to go around the trees.
Keep the trees
Need more green space
Use gravel instead of asphalt
Bike station/park bikes & with station and pump
Enlarge pool, Larger swimming pool
More shelter
Labyrinth
Please provide all the City's original RFP and all bids and plans submitted to the City for consideration regarding the Smith Hazel remodel and updates, both inside and outside the building. To include the complete project.
Dear Lisa Ann Smith:The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request numbersubmitted on 1/28/2024 at 1:14:50 pm through which you requested the following information: Please provide all the City's original RFP and all bids and plans submitted to the City for consideration regarding the Smith Hazel remodel and updates, both inside and outside the building. To include the complete project. Attached are all documents released to date for the Smith Hazel upgrades. Not all renovations and updates were required to go to bid and some will be bid at a future date as the project progresses. Services from Cranston Engineering were procured via the existing Indefinite Delivery Contract with the City of Aiken.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
None of these docs are about any outside work
Request #41-2024
Please provide all of the details of the study and/or survey used to determine the needs and wants of the Community that were used to create the plan for the Smith Hazel Recreation Center inside and outside of the building work.
Ms. Smith: The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 2:49:21 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide all of the details of the study and/or survey used to determine the needs and wants of the Community that were used to create the plan for the Smith Hazel Recreation Center inside and outside of the building work.
The City of Aiken has attached the documents responsive to your request. There was also a public hearing at Smith Hazel on February 10, 2024.
Additionally, it should be noted that the Smith-Hazel exterior renovation was a voter approved Capital Projects Sales Tax-4 project. The City's LWCF grant to help support CPST funds mandates 1-1 regarding amenities, meaning these items could not go to public comment to determine those needs. It also means that that if a basketball court exists, a basketball court must be replaced. If a playground exists, a playground must be replaced. If tennis courts exist, tennis courts must be replaced. If a trail exists, a trail must be replaced. Those items are non-negotiable. The public was asked to help select playground design and any additional amenities outside of the scope of the grant funds for future improvements. The Smith-Hazel interior renovation was also a voter approved CPST4 project, specifically for ADA accessibility. The public did provide input during City Council on gymnasium flooring and bathroom upgrades, which has been approved.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
City Solicitor & Staff Attorney
No news here, just what Laura has already shown us
Request #56-2024
Please supply the traffic study, or any other study or information that identifies the parking needs at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center.
Dear Lisa Ann Smith: The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 2/1/2024 at 10:20:29 am through which you requested the following information:
Please supply the traffic study, or any other study or information that identifies the parking needs at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center.
The City of Aiken has determined that no traffic study was conducted as there was no need to address the parking needs as the use of the facility is still the same. For Phase II of the project, if there is a change in parking, there will be an assessment to ensure parking and any changes in the travel lanes/structures are compliant with the ordinance and fire truck access.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #50-2024
What was the retail value and the cost of removal and the cost of replanting trees at the Farmers Market on Williamsburg? What was the total DBH of the eleven trees destroyed at the Farmers Market?
Ms. Smith: The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/29/2024 at 1:48:30 pm through which you requested the following information:
What was the retail value and the cost of removal and the cost of replanting trees at the Farmers Market on Williamsburg? What was the total DBH of the eleven trees destroyed at the Farmers Market?
The City of Aiken has determined that it does not have any information reflecting retail value of the trees. The cost of the newly planted trees was $24,500. The City does not have updated 2023 DBH numbers for the trees that were removed. An invoice to gather the information regarding the 2017 DBH numbers has been issued.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #49-2024
Smith Hazel Recreation Center Improvements Update. This appears to be a 27 page document
Ms. Smith,
The files related to Freedom of Information Request number 49-2024 may be accessed by following this link:
If you have further questions or need additional information, you may reply to this email.
Thank you,
Laura Jordan
Although they’ve claimed several times that trees were discussed at the 9/11/23 work session, trees are not mentioned in the itinerary nor the meeting minutes
Request #48-2024
What is the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Rec Center? The cumulative caliper of replacement trees shall at least equal the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant Trees removed except that the DBH of any Grand or Significant Trees on the Approved Tree List saved or approved trees newly planted may count as double replacement inches under this provision.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:26:39 pm through which you requested the following information:
What is the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Rec Center? The cumulative caliper of replacement trees shall at least equal the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant Trees removed except that the DBH of any Grand or Significant Trees on the Approved Tree List saved or approved trees newly planted may count as double replacement inches under this provision.
The City of Aiken has determined that information can be calculated from the tree calculations provided in response to Request No. 42-2024.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #47-2024
What is the total DBH inches of all the trees at Smith Hazel Rec Center? What is the total DBH inches of the trees that will be destroyed? 2.Entire Site.a.Removal. No Grand Tree may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings. No more than 80 percent of the DBH inches of Significant Trees may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:23:09 pm through which you requested the following information:
What is the total DBH inches of all the trees at Smith Hazel Rec Center? What is the total DBH inches of the trees that will be destroyed? 2.Entire Site.a.Removal. No Grand Tree may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings. No more than 80 percent of the DBH inches of Significant Trees may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings.
The City of Aiken has determined the following:
1. What is the total DBH inches of all the trees at Smith Hazel Rec Center?
That information can be calculated from the tree calculations provided in Request No. 42-2024.
2. What is the total DBH inches of the trees that will be destroyed?
The tree calculations from the initial plan set have been provided. The civil plans have not yet been stamped and therefore there may be some variance from the initial calculations depending upon changes required by the Engineering Department.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #46-2024
4.7.1. - Plan and Permit Required. As previously requested, please provide the City Engineers approved plan for control of erosion, sedimentation and surface drainage for the Smith Hazel tree and grounds destruction. A grading permit shall not be issued for a nonresidential or multifamily residential development until a site plan, including landscaping, has been given final approval by the City. The surface of land in the City shall not be disturbed or changed for any purpose, except as expressly exempted below, unless both of the following criteria are met. 1.The City Engineer has approved a plan for the control of erosion, sedimentation, and surface drainage, and, where required, such plan has been approved by the Conservation District Office.2.The City Engineer has issued a grading permit.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:16:31 pm through which you requested the following information:
4.7.1. - Plan and Permit Required. As previously requested, please provide the City Engineers approved plan for control of erosion, sedimentation and surface drainage for the Smith Hazel tree and grounds destruction. A grading permit shall not be issued for a nonresidential or multifamily residential development until a site plan, including landscaping, has been given final approval by the City. The surface of land in the City shall not be disturbed or changed for any purpose, except as expressly exempted below, unless both of the following criteria are met. 1.The City Engineer has approved a plan for the control of erosion, sedimentation, and surface drainage, and, where required, such plan has been approved by the Conservation District Office.2.The City Engineer has issued a grading permit.
The City Engineer does not create a plan, rather he approves the provided civil engineering plans when the design meets all City requirements for stormwater management, including management of erosion and sedimentation. Those plans have not yet been approved by the City Engineer.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #45-2024
Please provide the survey maps showing which trees at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center are within the Planting Strip? B.Tree Protection Areas.1.Planting Strip Along Street Rights-of-Way.a.Depth. A planting strip shall be provided parallel and adjacent to each street right-of-way the depth of which shall be based on the following table. The maximum required depth under this provision shall be 25 feet, but a deeper planting strip may be provided. Lot Depth Planting Strip Depth Up to 200 feet 10 feet 200 to 500 feet 5 percent of lot depth More than 500 feet 25 feet b.Protection of Significant and Grand Trees. Within the planting strip, all Grand and Significant trees shall remain unless their preservation would prevent the installation of a necessary driveway, sidewalk, permitted sign, or essential utility. All such driveways, sidewalks, signs, and utilities shall be located so as to preserve the maximum number of Grand and Significant Trees as determined by the Planning Director. To insure tree survival, a protected area pursuant to 4.6.5.B shall be provided around each tree as required by the Planning Director.c.Minimum Number of Trees. Existing trees may be counted in meeting the requirement for trees in the planting strip at 4.6.7.B. To be counted, a tree must have a DBH of two inches. The type and condition of such trees are subject to approval by the Planning Director for that purpose and must be depicted on the landscape plan. If existing trees do not satisfy the requirement, a sufficient number must be planted to comply with 4.6.7.B.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:14:11 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the survey maps showing which trees at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center are within the Planting Strip? B.Tree Protection Areas.1.Planting Strip Along Street Rights-of-Way.a.Depth. A planting strip shall be provided parallel and adjacent to each street right-of-way the depth of which shall be based on the following table. The maximum required depth under this provision shall be 25 feet, but a deeper planting strip may be provided. Lot Depth Planting Strip Depth Up to 200 feet 10 feet 200 to 500 feet 5 percent of lot depth More than 500 feet 25 feet b.Protection of Significant and Grand Trees. Within the planting strip, all Grand and Significant trees shall remain unless their preservation would prevent the installation of a necessary driveway, sidewalk, permitted sign, or essential utility. All such driveways, sidewalks, signs, and utilities shall be located so as to preserve the maximum number of Grand and Significant Trees as determined by the Planning Director. To insure tree survival, a protected area pursuant to 4.6.5.B shall be provided around each tree as required by the Planning Director.c.Minimum Number of Trees. Existing trees may be counted in meeting the requirement for trees in the planting strip at 4.6.7.B. To be counted, a tree must have a DBH of two inches. The type and condition of such trees are subject to approval by the Planning Director for that purpose and must be depicted on the landscape plan. If existing trees do not satisfy the requirement, a sufficient number must be planted to comply with 4.6.7.B.
The City has determined that it does not have any documents responsive to your request as planting strips were not required for this project. However, the project Landscape Architect did address the number and spacing of trees along the perimeter on the tree calculation sheet provided in response to Request No. 42-2024.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #44-2024
Please provide the study and/or information showing 1. The retail value of the trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Recreation Center 2. The actual cost estimates of destroying the trees and the earthwork to be done 3. The competitive bids solicited and received by the city for the destruction of the trees and the earthwork to be done at Smith Hazel 4. The cost of replacing the trees destroyed, the materials and labor.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:02:13 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the study and/or information showing 1. The retail value of the trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Recreation Center 2. The actual cost estimates of destroying the trees and the earthwork to be done 3. The competitive bids solicited and received by the city for the destruction of the trees and the earthwork to be done at Smith Hazel 4. The cost of replacing the trees destroyed, the materials and labor.
The City of Aiken has determined the following:
1.The retail value of the trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Recreation Center.
The City does not maintain the retail value of trees.
2. The actual cost estimates of destroying the trees and the earthwork to be done
The estimated cost of sitework and grading is $15,000.
3. The competitive bids solicited and received by the city for the destruction of the trees and the earthwork to be done at Smith Hazel
This project has not been bid to date.
4. The cost of replacing the trees destroyed, the materials and labor.
The estimated costs of landscaping and irrigation is $40,000.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #43-2024
Please provide the environmental study done regarding the removal of trees, increase of pavement and change in the topography at Smith Hazel and how it will affect water run off, sedimentation, drainage and temperature.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 6:53:42 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the environmental study done regarding the removal of trees, increase of pavement and change in the topography at Smith Hazel and how it will affect water run off, sedimentation, drainage and temperature.
The City of Aiken has determined that no environmental study as you’ve outlined was completed for the Smith-Hazel renovation project as this type of project does not trigger a formal environmental review that may be required by another government agency. However, some of the issues that you have outlined have been/will be addressed when the City’s Engineering Department reviews the project.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #42-2024
Please provide the following for Smith Hazel Recreation Center: A.Tree Survey.1.For every project one of the following shall be submitted.a.A detailed tree survey of the entire site depicting the DBH, variety, and location of all Significant and Grand trees including the information listed in 6.2.10.D; orb.A detailed tree survey depicting the DBH, variety, and location of the Grand Trees on the entire site and the Significant Trees in the yard including the information listed in 6.2.10.D and a listing of all Significant Trees in the buildable area including DBH and variety, and, if required by the Planning Director, a tree survey of selected areas or other additional information where it is necessary to make a determination about the feasibility of saving Significant Trees. AND The exact number, type, and size trees that will be planted to replace the trees destroyed.
FOIA 42-2024 (1).pdf
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 3:19:02 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the following for Smith Hazel Recreation Center: A.Tree Survey.1.For every project one of the following shall be submitted.a.A detailed tree survey of the entire site depicting the DBH, variety, and location of all Significant and Grand trees including the information listed in 6.2.10.D; orb.A detailed tree survey depicting the DBH, variety, and location of the Grand Trees on the entire site and the Significant Trees in the yard including the information listed in 6.2.10.D and a listing of all Significant Trees in the buildable area including DBH and variety, and, if required by the Planning Director, a tree survey of selected areas or other additional information where it is necessary to make a determination about the feasibility of saving Significant Trees. AND The exact number, type, and size trees that will be planted to replace the trees destroyed.
Attached is the tree calculation sheet from the civil plans for this project. These civil plans have not been stamped yet and therefore there may be some variance from the initial calculations depending upon changes required by the Engineering Department.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
FOIA 42-2024 (1).pdf
Request #56-2024
Please supply the traffic study, or any other study or information that identifies the parking needs at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center.
Dear Lisa Ann Smith: The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 2/1/2024 at 10:20:29 am through which you requested the following information:
Please supply the traffic study, or any other study or information that identifies the parking needs at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center.
The City of Aiken has determined that no traffic study was conducted as there was no need to address the parking needs as the use of the facility is still the same. For Phase II of the project, if there is a change in parking, there will be an assessment to ensure parking and any changes in the travel lanes/structures are compliant with the ordinance and fire truck access.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #50-2024
What was the retail value and the cost of removal and the cost of replanting trees at the Farmers Market on Williamsburg? What was the total DBH of the eleven trees destroyed at the Farmers Market?
Ms. Smith: The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/29/2024 at 1:48:30 pm through which you requested the following information:
What was the retail value and the cost of removal and the cost of replanting trees at the Farmers Market on Williamsburg? What was the total DBH of the eleven trees destroyed at the Farmers Market?
The City of Aiken has determined that it does not have any information reflecting retail value of the trees. The cost of the newly planted trees was $24,500. The City does not have updated 2023 DBH numbers for the trees that were removed. An invoice to gather the information regarding the 2017 DBH numbers has been issued.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #49-2024
Smith Hazel Recreation Center Improvements Update. This appears to be a 27 page document
Ms. Smith,
The files related to Freedom of Information Request number 49-2024 may be accessed by following this link:
If you have further questions or need additional information, you may reply to this email.
Thank you,
Laura Jordan
Although they’ve claimed several times that trees were discussed at the 9/11/23 work session, trees are not mentioned in the itinerary nor the meeting minutes
Request #48-2024
What is the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Rec Center? The cumulative caliper of replacement trees shall at least equal the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant Trees removed except that the DBH of any Grand or Significant Trees on the Approved Tree List saved or approved trees newly planted may count as double replacement inches under this provision.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:26:39 pm through which you requested the following information:
What is the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Rec Center? The cumulative caliper of replacement trees shall at least equal the cumulative DBH of the Grand and Significant Trees removed except that the DBH of any Grand or Significant Trees on the Approved Tree List saved or approved trees newly planted may count as double replacement inches under this provision.
The City of Aiken has determined that information can be calculated from the tree calculations provided in response to Request No. 42-2024.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #47-2024
What is the total DBH inches of all the trees at Smith Hazel Rec Center? What is the total DBH inches of the trees that will be destroyed? 2.Entire Site.a.Removal. No Grand Tree may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings. No more than 80 percent of the DBH inches of Significant Trees may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:23:09 pm through which you requested the following information:
What is the total DBH inches of all the trees at Smith Hazel Rec Center? What is the total DBH inches of the trees that will be destroyed? 2.Entire Site.a.Removal. No Grand Tree may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings. No more than 80 percent of the DBH inches of Significant Trees may be removed unless the Planning Director determines there is absolutely no alternative because of unavoidable grading or because of the required configuration of paving, essential utilities, or buildings.
The City of Aiken has determined the following:
1. What is the total DBH inches of all the trees at Smith Hazel Rec Center?
That information can be calculated from the tree calculations provided in Request No. 42-2024.
2. What is the total DBH inches of the trees that will be destroyed?
The tree calculations from the initial plan set have been provided. The civil plans have not yet been stamped and therefore there may be some variance from the initial calculations depending upon changes required by the Engineering Department.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #46-2024
4.7.1. - Plan and Permit Required. As previously requested, please provide the City Engineers approved plan for control of erosion, sedimentation and surface drainage for the Smith Hazel tree and grounds destruction. A grading permit shall not be issued for a nonresidential or multifamily residential development until a site plan, including landscaping, has been given final approval by the City. The surface of land in the City shall not be disturbed or changed for any purpose, except as expressly exempted below, unless both of the following criteria are met. 1.The City Engineer has approved a plan for the control of erosion, sedimentation, and surface drainage, and, where required, such plan has been approved by the Conservation District Office.2.The City Engineer has issued a grading permit.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:16:31 pm through which you requested the following information:
4.7.1. - Plan and Permit Required. As previously requested, please provide the City Engineers approved plan for control of erosion, sedimentation and surface drainage for the Smith Hazel tree and grounds destruction. A grading permit shall not be issued for a nonresidential or multifamily residential development until a site plan, including landscaping, has been given final approval by the City. The surface of land in the City shall not be disturbed or changed for any purpose, except as expressly exempted below, unless both of the following criteria are met. 1.The City Engineer has approved a plan for the control of erosion, sedimentation, and surface drainage, and, where required, such plan has been approved by the Conservation District Office.2.The City Engineer has issued a grading permit.
The City Engineer does not create a plan, rather he approves the provided civil engineering plans when the design meets all City requirements for stormwater management, including management of erosion and sedimentation. Those plans have not yet been approved by the City Engineer.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #45-2024
Please provide the survey maps showing which trees at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center are within the Planting Strip? B.Tree Protection Areas.1.Planting Strip Along Street Rights-of-Way.a.Depth. A planting strip shall be provided parallel and adjacent to each street right-of-way the depth of which shall be based on the following table. The maximum required depth under this provision shall be 25 feet, but a deeper planting strip may be provided. Lot Depth Planting Strip Depth Up to 200 feet 10 feet 200 to 500 feet 5 percent of lot depth More than 500 feet 25 feet b.Protection of Significant and Grand Trees. Within the planting strip, all Grand and Significant trees shall remain unless their preservation would prevent the installation of a necessary driveway, sidewalk, permitted sign, or essential utility. All such driveways, sidewalks, signs, and utilities shall be located so as to preserve the maximum number of Grand and Significant Trees as determined by the Planning Director. To insure tree survival, a protected area pursuant to 4.6.5.B shall be provided around each tree as required by the Planning Director.c.Minimum Number of Trees. Existing trees may be counted in meeting the requirement for trees in the planting strip at 4.6.7.B. To be counted, a tree must have a DBH of two inches. The type and condition of such trees are subject to approval by the Planning Director for that purpose and must be depicted on the landscape plan. If existing trees do not satisfy the requirement, a sufficient number must be planted to comply with 4.6.7.B.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:14:11 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the survey maps showing which trees at the Smith Hazel Recreation Center are within the Planting Strip? B.Tree Protection Areas.1.Planting Strip Along Street Rights-of-Way.a.Depth. A planting strip shall be provided parallel and adjacent to each street right-of-way the depth of which shall be based on the following table. The maximum required depth under this provision shall be 25 feet, but a deeper planting strip may be provided. Lot Depth Planting Strip Depth Up to 200 feet 10 feet 200 to 500 feet 5 percent of lot depth More than 500 feet 25 feet b.Protection of Significant and Grand Trees. Within the planting strip, all Grand and Significant trees shall remain unless their preservation would prevent the installation of a necessary driveway, sidewalk, permitted sign, or essential utility. All such driveways, sidewalks, signs, and utilities shall be located so as to preserve the maximum number of Grand and Significant Trees as determined by the Planning Director. To insure tree survival, a protected area pursuant to 4.6.5.B shall be provided around each tree as required by the Planning Director.c.Minimum Number of Trees. Existing trees may be counted in meeting the requirement for trees in the planting strip at 4.6.7.B. To be counted, a tree must have a DBH of two inches. The type and condition of such trees are subject to approval by the Planning Director for that purpose and must be depicted on the landscape plan. If existing trees do not satisfy the requirement, a sufficient number must be planted to comply with 4.6.7.B.
The City has determined that it does not have any documents responsive to your request as planting strips were not required for this project. However, the project Landscape Architect did address the number and spacing of trees along the perimeter on the tree calculation sheet provided in response to Request No. 42-2024.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #44-2024
Please provide the study and/or information showing 1. The retail value of the trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Recreation Center 2. The actual cost estimates of destroying the trees and the earthwork to be done 3. The competitive bids solicited and received by the city for the destruction of the trees and the earthwork to be done at Smith Hazel 4. The cost of replacing the trees destroyed, the materials and labor.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request numbersubmitted on 1/28/2024 at 9:02:13 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the study and/or information showing 1. The retail value of the trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Recreation Center 2. The actual cost estimates of destroying the trees and the earthwork to be done 3. The competitive bids solicited and received by the city for the destruction of the trees and the earthwork to be done at Smith Hazel 4. The cost of replacing the trees destroyed, the materials and labor.
The City of Aiken has determined the following:
1.The retail value of the trees that will be destroyed at Smith Hazel Recreation Center.
The City does not maintain the retail value of trees.
2. The actual cost estimates of destroying the trees and the earthwork to be done
The estimated cost of sitework and grading is $15,000.
3. The competitive bids solicited and received by the city for the destruction of the trees and the earthwork to be done at Smith Hazel
This project has not been bid to date.
4. The cost of replacing the trees destroyed, the materials and labor.
The estimated costs of landscaping and irrigation is $40,000.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #43-2024
Please provide the environmental study done regarding the removal of trees, increase of pavement and change in the topography at Smith Hazel and how it will affect water run off, sedimentation, drainage and temperature.
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 6:53:42 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the environmental study done regarding the removal of trees, increase of pavement and change in the topography at Smith Hazel and how it will affect water run off, sedimentation, drainage and temperature.
The City of Aiken has determined that no environmental study as you’ve outlined was completed for the Smith-Hazel renovation project as this type of project does not trigger a formal environmental review that may be required by another government agency. However, some of the issues that you have outlined have been/will be addressed when the City’s Engineering Department reviews the project.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
Request #42-2024
Please provide the following for Smith Hazel Recreation Center: A.Tree Survey.1.For every project one of the following shall be submitted.a.A detailed tree survey of the entire site depicting the DBH, variety, and location of all Significant and Grand trees including the information listed in 6.2.10.D; orb.A detailed tree survey depicting the DBH, variety, and location of the Grand Trees on the entire site and the Significant Trees in the yard including the information listed in 6.2.10.D and a listing of all Significant Trees in the buildable area including DBH and variety, and, if required by the Planning Director, a tree survey of selected areas or other additional information where it is necessary to make a determination about the feasibility of saving Significant Trees. AND The exact number, type, and size trees that will be planted to replace the trees destroyed.
FOIA 42-2024 (1).pdf
Ms. Smith:
The City of Aiken has reviewed your FOIA request number submitted on 1/28/2024 at 3:19:02 pm through which you requested the following information:
Please provide the following for Smith Hazel Recreation Center: A.Tree Survey.1.For every project one of the following shall be submitted.a.A detailed tree survey of the entire site depicting the DBH, variety, and location of all Significant and Grand trees including the information listed in 6.2.10.D; orb.A detailed tree survey depicting the DBH, variety, and location of the Grand Trees on the entire site and the Significant Trees in the yard including the information listed in 6.2.10.D and a listing of all Significant Trees in the buildable area including DBH and variety, and, if required by the Planning Director, a tree survey of selected areas or other additional information where it is necessary to make a determination about the feasibility of saving Significant Trees. AND The exact number, type, and size trees that will be planted to replace the trees destroyed.
Attached is the tree calculation sheet from the civil plans for this project. These civil plans have not been stamped yet and therefore there may be some variance from the initial calculations depending upon changes required by the Engineering Department.
You may click the request number above to review all information related to this request.
Thank You,
Laura Jordan
FOIA 42-2024 (1).pdf
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