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In
recent years, much of this thoroughfare was widened to four lanes with
a landscaped median. The city grasped the opportunity to plant hundreds
of sycamores, maples and dogwoods in median spaces. Those projects provide
direction for additional tree planting. Middlebrook Pike has a number
of discernable streetscape differences, providing a basis for the following
recommendations:
Western
Avenue to Proctor Street
Unlike
any of the areas to the west, this segment retains a harsh, urban character
that is virtually devoid of trees. A tree planting program needs to
be established for both sides of the road, particularly in the ample
open spaces near I-40.
Proctor
Street to I-640
Dozens
of street trees have been planted in the medians and the edges of the
rights-of-way. Supplemental planting should be undertaken in the adjoining
yards (for example, in the Loraine Street area); a long term Bradford
pear replacement program should undertaken, particularly near the state
office building.
I-640
to Third Creek Road
Additional
median plantings, conservation of the pines and other wooded areas of
Middlebrook Farm and protection of the hillsides are recommended.
Third
Creek Road to Weisgarber Road
This
is the center of the Middlebrook Pike industrial area, which remarkably,
has a number of older trees and wooded areas. Still, there is ample
room for more trees, both along the pike and in adjoining yards. Consistency
should be sought in the mix of species that are planted. A landscape
plan should be prepared for this area.
Weisgarber
Road to Vanosdale Road
The
median plantings of the last few years are already making a difference
in the streetscape. A canopy will soon be established over the eastbound
lanes. The significant need is to fill out the streetscape. This can
be accomplished by planting small and medium trees under the power lines
on the north side of the road. Additionally, large trees should be planted
in the adjoining yards.
Vanosdale
Road to Broome Road
Median
plantings have been ample. Yard trees, including small native trees
under utility lines, are recommended to fill out and enhance the streetscape.
Significant
Opportunities
Separating
sidewalks from the roadway: this includes separated sidewalk or greenway
trail between Vanosdale Road and Weisgarber Road. When the asphalt sidewalk
in the Westview area needs repair, consideration should be given to
moving it inward to go through the greenway area.
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