City can be a partner in improvements
Question: I have more of a government question than a real estate one, but thought you may be able to help. I live on a four-lane divided road, and the median only has dead grass and weeds. I heard the city sometimes will pay for beautifying medians. My neighbors and I may be able to chip in a bit as well. Any suggestions?
Answer: First, thank you for considering beautifying your neighborhood. Most people recognize our city as a very safe, attractive one with great city services. However, the city can’t pay for every project it would like without “breaking the bank.” That is where civic-minded neighbors can come through for the city, and themselves.
Although there is very little money for road beautification after priorities like paving are paid for, the city may be able to assist you with funding part of a project. You should contact your city councilman or mayor to discuss your plan, and then speak with the appropriate city staff member to execute your plan. Beautifying medians is not as simple as planting trees and shrubs, as you must obtain approval from the city. Considerations like road safety, visibility and maintenance costs are taken into account. If you are in an area with city utilities, the city may connect your median to irrigation water at no or reduced fees. The city may also agree to pay for ongoing maintenance of the median by hiring professional landscapers to continue its original beauty.
The key to a successful median project is discussing with your neighbors, and having them contribute both to the ideas and cost of the project. In the end, you will have a neighborhood to be proud of, and you may increase the value of your property in excess of this cost. You may also want to consider speaking with your landscaper, or speak with others, to see if they will donate trees for the project. The city allows a sign in the median to thank those who made it possible, a great way to recognize the generosity of your landscaper who assisted with the project.
Best of luck with your project. If your experience is like mine, you will find the city to be an excellent partner every step of the way.
Eric P. Feichthaler has lived in Cape Coral for 27 years and graduated from Mariner High School in Cape Coral. After completing law school at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., he returned to Southwest Florida to practice law and raise a family. He served as mayor of Cape Coral from 2005-2008, and continues his service to the community through his chairmanship of the Harney Point Kiwanis Club KidsFest, which provides a free day of fun and learning to thousands of Cape Coral families, and funds numerous scholarships. He has been married to his wife, Mary, for 13 years, and they have four children together. Recently, he earned his board certification in Real Estate Law from the Florida Bar. He is also a Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil Mediator.
This article is general in nature and not intended as legal advice to anyone. Individuals should seek legal counsel before acting on any matter of legal rights and obligations.