The City of Temple Terrace is undertaking a large street and drainage project along Glen Arven and South Burlingame Avenues. This project will reconstruct the existing streets and curbs, as well as curtail the flash-flooding that occurs along South Glen Arven Avenue during heavy rains. "The streets will not be widened," says Joe Motta, City Engineer.

Additionally, two CDS (Continuous Deflective Separation) units will be installed within the golf course to provide water quality treatment of the storm water runoff prior to discharging into the Hillsborough River. The drainage component of this project will be partially funded through a Cooperative Funding Agreement with SWFWMD (Southwest Florida Water Management District) and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) for nearly $800,000.

Because of the concern of residents about the Oaks in the project area, exceptional precautions are being taken to protect the trees that are especially close to the streets.

At the request of citizens during several Town Meetings, the Temple Terrace City Council approved the hiring of a certified arborist to walk the area and determine which, if any, trees are in danger. Joseph R. Samnik, Certified Arborist #SO-0409, and Certified - Bureau of Entomology, #7774, was hired as of March 18, 2004. On April 1, he "reported to the field" to assess the trees along the streets to be improved, and pointed out ways of protecting them against damage from the digging that will occur as drainage pipes are replaced.

At the June 1, 2004 meeting of the Temple Terrace City Council, Mr Samnik submitted report containing his recommendations. It should be noted that the recommendations are guidelines that will be applied as appropriate during the reconstruction process.

Every effort is being made to protect, and in some cases even improve, the health of these Live Oaks that are such an important part of Temple Terrace.