H.G. Hill Realty Company and Southeast Venture will partner with the Metro Public Works and the Metro Parks and Recreation departments on a 12South tree planting project, the parties announced today.

Hill Realty and Southeast Venture are covering the $8,500 cost.

Of note, the two are pairing in the development of 12South Flats, a mixed-use (residential and retail) project currently being constructed on 12th Avenue. The project has spurred debate, with opponents contending the building is too large for the district and will exacerbate parking and traffic woes and proponents countering that 12South Flats is exactly the type mixed-use building (in terms of scale, design and uses) that a true mixed-use urban district needs.

Hawkins Partners crafted the tree plan, which includes planting 10 new trees and pruning, fertilizing and removing dead limbs from all the street’s existing street trees. Jennifer Smith, a horticulturist who manages the new landscape coordination program housed in Metro Public Works, will oversee the effort.