The Auburndale Community Redevelopment Agency began planting new trees Monday on streets leading into Auburndale's downtown park.

City staff members plan to have 50 medjool palm trees planted by today, with landscaping continuing throughout the downtown. The cost of the project is $193,250 and is funded by tax dollars generated within the CRA area.

The medjool palm trees will replace the existing Bradford pear trees, which, according to Glatting Jackson, the city's downtown park consultant, are not a good tree due to temperature sensitivity, inability to adapt to drought and insufficient space for branching due to infringing canopy overhangs.

The medjool palm tree is able to grow in a small planting area, can take drought or flooding and requires low maintenance.

Assistant City Manager Andy Stewart stated, "The Community Redevelopment Agency plans to continue with the improvements in the downtown and appreciates the cooperation and support that has been shown from local businesses."

CRA Chairwoman Cindy Price said, "We want to continue to improve our downtown and make downtown the centerpiece for Auburndale."