Bradford Pear trees in the median of Westside Parkway south of Cumming Street will be replaced with trees and shrubs more suited along traffic lanes with the approval of a contract by Alpharetta City Council on Jan. 3.

Engineering and Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz said this work will "get rid of that ugly eyesore."

The work will be completed by March 1, weather permitting, he said.

Chesser-Kennedy Builders was awarded the $33,648 contract to remove those trees and plant 94 trees and 273 shrubs on city-owned properties and medians, including Westside Parkway, Canton Street, Mid-Broadwell Road and North Park.

Councilman Doug DeRito asked that the city take a look along the east side of Old Milton Parkway where some holly trees got butchered.

"Can we put that on the radar to enhance in the future," DeRito asked.

Old Milton Parkway is not part of Alpharetta's right of way but is controlled by the Ga. Department of Transportationm(GDOT).

"That particular area which got hacked to shreds ws done by a property management company," Sewczwicz said.

He and Community Development Director Diana Wheeler have been talking to that company, whose arborist believes the plants should grow back.

The excessive pruning was done to meet guidelines by GDOT on distances of growth from traffic lanes

"And it all started with citizens who wanted them to prune it," Sewczwicz said.

City Fixing Drainage, Flooding in Alpha Park

After 38 years, Karen Drive resident Don Nasher will get his request granted to fix drainage and flooding problems in Alpha Park subdivision.

Engineering/Public Works Director Pete Sewczwicz said consultants studied the project last year and designed a solution. The city's contractor, Pinnacle International, will install 500 feet of new pipe, drainage structures and curb and gutter. Nasher was especially interested in the replacement of an inlet prone to clogging.

"I want you to know I'm in favor of it," Nasher said. "I've been trying to get this done for 38 years."

A similar project on a smaller scale will get at least a partial fix with the replacement of storm pipe and drainage structures along Wills Lane by Robert M. Anderson Inc. for approximately $58,000.

City Replacing Worn Out Cabinets at Fire Stations

City Council approved an approximately $68,800 contract to replace particle board kitchen cabinets at three Alpharetta fire stations, 1, 3 and 4.

Public Safety Director Gary George said the original cabinets are worn out. Boards have come off and screw holes are worn out so hinges cannot be reattached.

"We are looking for good, solid wood, hardwoods. Granite countertops," George said. "We are not looking for anything fancy."

DCM Designs, the winning bidder will attempt to save all existing countertops when removing old cabinets, he said.