I-75 Express Lanes Project Construction Case Study

Representatives of the I-75 Express Lanes Project Construction team met with Vista Filare HOA board members in front of the Vista Filare community to discuss the board’s landscaping concerns.

- Mario Martinez (MM) stated several emails were sent to the department regarding the landscaping to be planted along the Vista Filare community. MM then stated it has taken the department several weeks to provide answers to his questions regarding who in Vista Filare agreed to only Oak trees and when this agreement was made. MM advised the recent documents provided to him via email did not specify this information.

- Antonio Castro (AC) stated the department received the emails and felt it was better to discuss the landscaping matter in person.

- MM
AC then explained the landscape architect responded Friday, October 28 which was why the project team requested to meet with the board Tuesday, November 1. - MM stated a meeting was previously held with the project team weeks ago and that the board was advised Royal Poinciana trees were going to be planted near the entrance of the community. MM then stated that Gerdy St. Louis (GS) sent him an email informing the board that Royal Poinciana would no longer be planted near the community’s entrance and demanded to know why.

- AC explained that it was determined by the landscaping architect that Royal Poinciana trees were not favorable with the location, but Live Oak trees were and would thrive. AC also stated that the department was willing to plant Royal Palms near the entrance of Vista
MS then went further on to say the department advised the board that Royal Poinciana trees could be planted and that the board discussed the trees over and over again with the project team.

- Raj Rangaswamy (RR) stated when a final decision was made about the Royal Poinciana trees the department had the landscaping architect check the area and he determined that the trees were going to die. RR explained that the landscape architect will not knowingly plant tree that will not survive.

- PL then asked MM and MS if the board would like Royal Palms instead.

- MM stated again that the board and the department have been going back and forth for months. MM stated the board wanted the trees planted from the new list provided.

- PL stated the Ball Cypress trees would not look pleasing to the eye and provided MM with a digital image of the tree to view.

- MM reiterated once again the board did not want Live Oak trees and that the trees could either be Ball Cypress of Red Maple trees.

- AC advised that the department has heard MM’s request loud and clear and that Live Oaks would not be planted near the