Hercules’s five LLADs play an important role in our community and provide for the maintenance of our City’s streetlights, parks, roadway landscaping and open spaces. Because of this, the sustainability of our LLADs is critical in helping keep our neighborhoods attractive and safe. There are two primary types of services provided by the City’s LLADs through annual assessments paid by property owners: street lighting and landscaping. 

Adequately lit streets maintain safe neighborhoods and improve the appearance of property frontage at night. Street lighting also keeps our streets safe for drivers and pedestrians alike. At night or in bad weather, drivers and pedestrians can better see one another, traffic signs and bicyclists. 

The landscaping services provide for healthy and well-maintained neighborhood and city parks, recreation facilities, open space and landscaping improvements. Routine landscape maintenance along city public roadways, parks, and open spaces – such as mowing, tree trimming, weed abatement, trash and debris pick-up and fire breaks – keeps our neighborhoods properly maintained while increasing safety and plant health during years of drought. Landscaping is pruned at medians and other areas, so drivers can see properly at city intersections. 

The LLADs also fund graffiti removal from public property, maintenance of park restrooms, tennis and basketball courts, play structures and asphalt pathways.

The City selects its LLAD contractors through a structured process that involves several steps. The first step includes the City initiating a standard Request for Proposals (RFP) process, which outlines the requirements that each contractor has to meet. Once the City receives proposals, the City evaluates each contractor based on predetermined criteria and chooses a contractor that would best meet the needs of each LLAD.

Several factors can impact the annual assessments in LLADs. For the City of Hercules, the following factors are the catalysts for the assessment increases that will be proposed to property owners for approval this summer:

• Maintenance Needs: The maintenance requirements of existing lighting and landscaping infrastructure, including the frequency of upkeep, repairs, and enhancements, can influence assessments. Neighborhood trees have grown to a size where a tree trimming company using a basket truck must be employed, versus the landscaping company which would trim the trees from the ground.
• Environmental Changes: Hotter climate and more extreme weather have necessitated changes in landscaping practices, including increased watering which adds costs.
• Cost of Utilities: The cost of electricity and water have risen significantly over the past 5 years.  While conversion to energy-efficient LED streetlights have lessened the impact of the electricity increases, irrigation water now makes up over a third of the total cost of the District.

Assessments apply to all parcels that directly and specially benefit from the improvements within the Victoria by the Bay LLAD. The amount of each assessment is based on the proportional special benefit that each assessed parcel receives. 

Lighting and landscaping can significantly impact property values by enhancing the overall appeal, aesthetics, functionality and desirability of a neighborhood or property.

Well-designed and maintained landscaping – including trees, shrubs, flowers, and green spaces – creates an attractive and inviting first impression. Beautiful landscaping can make a property stand out and entice potential buyers.

Proper outdoor lighting, including ambient and accent lighting, can highlight architectural features, pathways, and landscaping elements during the evening hours. This adds to the visual appeal of the property and enhances its overall ambiance. Streetlights enhance safety, which increases desirability.