Mayor Neeley proposes matching funds to remove hazardous trees on homeowners’ private property

Flint Mayor Sheldon Neeley is sending a resolution to the Flint City Council to allocate $324,000 in ARPA funds for a Tree Removal Matching Funds Program. The resolution will appear on the Wednesday, October 9 Financial Committee Agenda.

Flint residents who pay up to $1,000 toward removal of a hazardous tree on their own private property will receive matching funds up to $1,000. However, Flint residents who qualify for the City of Flint Homeowners Property Exemption (HOPE) program can receive up to $1,000 toward removal of a hazardous tree, with no matching funds required. 

“Flint has an aging tree canopy, and many trees that have surpassed their life expectancy are now posing safety risks in neighborhoods as limbs decay and fall,” Mayor Neeley said. “Improving quality of life in neighborhoods is a major priority for my administration, and I’ve heard from many residents throughout the city and seen the impact of dangerous trees in my own neighborhood. This program will enhance public safety, protect residents’ property.”

This program is designed to cover a portion of the expenses incurred by homeowners for tree removal, though total costs may be greater. The City of Flint hopes that by partnering with residents, this program will encourage proactive maintenance and prevent injuries and property damage due to hazardous trees.

If the Flint City Council approves the resolution, the City of Flint Department of Public Works will issue a request for proposals for a tree company to perform the work. Then, the City of Flint will announce the opening of a four-week application period for Flint residents.

City-owned tree maintenance and sidewalk replacement

In addition to the proposed program for private tree removal, work is already underway in Flint neighborhoods under a separate ARPA-funded program for maintenance of street trees and sidewalks. 

This program is replacing sidewalks that have been damaged by the root systems of city-owned trees in the public right-of-way, as well as performing maintenance and sometimes removal of street trees.

The City of Flint has contracted with Spaulding DeDecker for sidewalk assessment in the amount of $111,000, J&M Tree Service and Wonsey Tree Service for tree maintenance and removal in the amount of $1,725,000, and KMI Road Maintenance LLC for sidewalk paving in the amount of $1,500,000.

City-owned tree assessment, maintenance, and sidewalk replacement is ongoing throughout the city of Flint.

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