EAB discusses using tree-planting trust fund for Bayfront Parkway design; legal questions and safety concerns leave decision open

The Pensacola Environmental Advisory Board discussed an add-on item asking whether the city's tree-planting trust fund can be used to pay for landscape design along roughly a one-mile section of Bayfront Parkway affected by a Sun Trail project. The item was added to the agenda for discussion only; staff said legal counsel is reviewing whether the trust-fund ordinance permits paying for design work.

Don, a staff member, prefaced the discussion by saying legal was "taking a look at" whether the tree-planting trust fund can be used for design. Board members and staff noted the distinction between paying for design work up front and paying later for tree installation.

City staff described the Bayfront segment as part of a larger Sun Trail roadway redesign that will remove existing landscaping. Staff said some federal or state project funding for the Sun Trail does not cover planting; staff therefore asked whether trust-fund dollars could cover design so the city could ensure replacement landscaping is coordinated with the roadway and trail design. Wendy Gavin and other staff noted that the Sun Trail grant cannot pay for planting and that staff are exploring alternate sources.

Staff provided an order-of-magnitude figure of about $75,000 as a design estimate for the mile-long section under discussion; staff said the project is roughly 90% complete on engineering and the landscape design is still being finalized. Board members raised safety and sight-line issues and noted that trees can only be planted where there is sufficient physical clearance for safe vehicle and pedestrian interactions.

Board members asked staff to return with cross sections or more complete design plans before committing trust-fund money to design. The board did not take a formal vote; staff said they will continue to refine the scope and return with additional information and that legal counsel will advise whether design is an eligible expenditure under the current code.

The discussion also touched on equity and prioritization: a provision in the city code gives first priority to restoring canopy where funds were generated, and some board members said they want to avoid the perception that trust-fund dollars funnel only into downtown projects. Staff said the city is reviewing the land development code and could consider modifying language on eligible uses.