Alamo may be developing, but that doesn’t mean its natural landscape has to suffer.
Home Depot-Yardbirds, which will move into the old Yardbirds location in Las Trampas Center in 2007, has committed to planting trees in front of the store for the benefit of Alamo beautification. The gesture may help establish a positive relationship with the community, some residents say.
“Our site plan, which we are working with the AIA (Alamo Improvement Association) to get approved, includes new onsite trees,” said West Cost Home Depot Representative Kathryn Gallagher.
The company will work with county Public Works to fill the gap in trees along Danville Boulevard, in front of the shopping center. The break in the boulevard of trees was caused this winter after the county approved the removal of three dedicated oak trees.
Now, the space in front of the former Yardbirds location will be filled and three trees will be added as part of a combined effort from Home Depot and county Public Works.
“We are in communication with the county,” Gallagher said.
Initially officials were unsure whether the replacement trees could go back in the same location where they were removed, due to potential sidewalk damage and high planting and maintenance costs.
Residents then voiced that they were unhappy with the location’s empty look. The county responded with a recent announcement at an Alamo Landscape and Lighting Committee meeting, stating they agree to replant them in the spot where they were taken out.
“We are willing to put them back in that location,” said county Senior Civil Engineer Eric Whan.
While they will be planted where the community favors, officials said they will have to choose the species carefully so as not to cause damage to the sidewalk as the trees grow.
But while Alamo residents are generally pleased with the planned tree planting, many are concerned about plans for the back of the Home Depot, AIA members said.
At a recent meeting, Home Depot presented site plans for trees, signage and the back entrance to their new store. The company said it plans to keep signage minimal but is considering building a 12-foot concrete wall in the storage yard that will back up against the Iron Horse Trail.
“That’s what got all the discussion … it’s structured in a low-grade way,” said Mike Gibson of AIA.
Other Alamo residents said the 12-foot pre-cast concrete fence seems inappropriate for the location, and pointed out that the service yard will be viewed by many trail users.
“It’s one of the most used trails in the county,” Gibson said.
When Yardbirds occupied the space, the owners struggled to keep the backyard storage area visually acceptable and did not retrieve the appropriate business permits.
Trail users often commented about the “junk” outside the back side of the store, saying they could see the merchandise along with a rundown shed.
“We want it to be nice looking,” Gibson said.
The back yard is used for storing and loading, will be used more frequently, and will be enlarged. After hearing unhappy sentiments from Alamo residents, Home Depot representatives told AIA they will make another presentation of plans for the next meeting, which will be held this month.
In addition, the sign layout will read Home Depot-Yardbirds in large letters with Home Depot in much smaller white letters. The plans indicated there will be fewer signs and the signs will no longer include the Yardbirds bird caricature.
To find out more about upcoming meetings, visit www.alamoca.org.
