Protecting public trees from needless removal has always been a priority for the city of Kent, but buckling sidewalks and old age are forcing the removal of some trees.
Several projects are either in progress or about to get started, according to a city media release.
• James Street sidewalk and street tree replacement
In order to provide a safer route for pedestrians, crews are repairing failing portions of the sidewalks on both the north and south sides of James Street between Clark Avenue to 102nd Avenue Southeast. The work requires removal of the existing trees.
According to Public Works Director Tim LaPorte, trees planted decades ago have caused the sidewalks to buckle, posing a tripping hazard to pedestrians.
“We’re making the sidewalks more usable for walkers,” he said. “While we hate to remove the existing trees, they’ll be replaced by a type of tree that is less likely to cause sidewalk damage.”
City officials expect the work to be finished by late summer 2015.
• Meeker Street sidewalk and street tree replacement
After the existing trees are removed, crews will replace the sidewalks, curbs and gutters on the south side of West Meeker Street between Fourth Avenue North and Sixth Avenue North. The work will be complete and trees replaced by the end of December.
Motorists should expect weekday curb lane closures on both James and Meeker Streets between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. Pedestrians should expect sidewalk and crosswalk closures during their removal and replacement; however, access for local residents will be maintained.
• Poplar tree removal at Earthworks Park
Starting Nov. 8, crews will remove 14 Poplar trees along Smith Street and Reiten Road at the west end of Earthworks Park. The nearly 30-year-old Lombardy Poplar trees are dying and pose a safety threat for park users and drivers from falling limbs and branches.
Parks Operations Superintendent Garin Lee says the decision to remove the trees was given thorough consideration, since the trees have been a part of the park for many years.
“The declining health of the trees, the landmark status of Earthworks and managing the park as a dynamic space were all factors in reaching this decision,” said Lee. “There are no immediate plans to replace the trees, since they were not included in the original park design, but we’re evaluating our options within the guidelines of the park’s landmark status.”
The removals are scheduled to begin on the weekend to minimize impacts to traffic; however, anticipate delays on Smith Street and Reiten Road as traffic control will be in place to maintain a safety zone for vehicles and pedestrians. The work is anticipated to be complete by Dec. 7.
Schedules are subject to change due to inclement weather, equipment problems or emergency situations.
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