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Community overhaul starting to take root
By EVE LEBERSON, Times Staff Writer
NORTHDALE -- The plan, which literally will change Northdale's landscape, is in its beginning stages. But Northdale taxing supervisors hope their communitywide revitalization project will bring the wow factor back to the aging community. "We just don't believe you get that anymore," said Bill Castens, vice president of the Northdale Special Tax District. "It's getting a kind of run-down look." After delays caused by this year's unusual winter rain and freezing temperatures, crews have finished painting the green and ivory signs that adorn each of Northdale's 13 subdivisions. They have replaced four signs. More recently, the board approved funding for an irrigation system along a stretch of turf outside the Villas of Northdale condominiums at the northwest corner of Northdale Boulevard and the Northdale extension. And soon a lighted 35-foot flagpole flying a 6- by 9-foot American flag will stand behind the Northdale welcome sign, just west of the Bob Sierra YMCA. The board's biggest project, a landscape overhaul, is just now getting under way. Later this month a new landscaping committee will interview architects with design plans to revamp Northdale's four entrances and the right-of-way areas throughout the neighborhood. "We want to get the best possible design," said property manager Rick Pitrowski. "That's why we're going with a professional." Pitrowski said the architect will provide them with a design plan that they can take to landscape contractors for bids. The board will likely agree to spend up to $150,000 on the project over a two- or three-year period, he said. The nine-member board is expected to select a landscaping plan and approve funding for the project at its next meeting, on March 11.
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