Byrd Encourages Developers To Go More ‘Green’

EL PASO — City Council might soon take up the possibility of requiring developers to plant more trees and shrubs on their properties.

One possible target for improvement are tree-lined streets,city leaders said,which separates drivers from pedestrians.

City Rep. Susie Byrd saidcurrentcity ordinances discourage commercial developers from placing trees between the sidewalk and the street. Sheisnow encouraging them to plant seeds for more tree-lined streets.

“They improve the quality of the streetscape, and they make it more comfortable for pedestrians,” byrd said. “they give some shade.”

byrd said the benefift goes beyond the obvious, and cited the exameple when trees are incorporated into the streetscape, they actually encourage drivers to slow down.

Byrd said it shouldn’t be a free-for-all, she said it is important to make sure any trees that are planted are well-maintained, don’t block drivers vision, and don’t use too much water.