Brentwood officials move to review unauthorized arboretum on city-owned land

Brentwood officials said they will review and work to resolve an unauthorized arboretum that residents built on a roughly 16-acre parcel owned by the city in the Brent Haven neighborhood.

Commissioner Pippen reported that members of the Brent Haven community raised funds, installed signage, bridges, benches and play equipment on city land without notifying staff, the tree board or the commission. "Apparently there were no communications with the city at the outset of this plan," Pippen said, noting the tree board's follow-up questions about long-term maintenance costs, insurance and compliance with city standards.

Mayor Nelson Andrews told the commission he was concerned about private use of city property without prior approval. "I am concerned about some citizens taking it upon themselves to use city property as their own property," Andrews said, adding that the city must operate "by the rule of law, not by personality."

City staff told the commission they have been in contact with participants and would continue work to determine the steps needed to resolve the nonapproved improvements. The tree board and staff will tour the site on Tuesday, May 19, and staff will evaluate issues such as ADA compliance, off-site parking needs, insurance and the anticipated city cost of annual maintenance.

The commission did not direct immediate removal or enforcement action during the meeting. Instead, members asked staff to pursue a viable solution that protects public safety and city property while assessing whether any elements can be retained under a formal approval process.

Next steps: staff will report back with findings after the May 19 tree board tour and follow-up consultations with affected residents and relevant departments.