Recently, a tree was cut down in a city right of way downtown. Check out Teresa Wippel's story here.
This isn't the first time that downtown trees have become a controversy. Last year, the council had a vigorous debate over trees at 5th and Dayton. Unfortunately, a split council and the mayor decided to remove the trees. A very disappointed citizen sent the council photos showing the impacts of that decision. On the left, you see the intersection with the trees, and on the right you see the intersection with the new "stick" trees.
The vote to remove the trees was taken on October 20th, 2009, without any announcement to the public. Council members Peterson, Wambolt, and Olson voted to remove the trees. Council members Bernheim, Plunkett, and Orvis (that's me) voted to keep the trees. D.J. Wilson was absent so the mayor voted to break the tie and take down the trees.
In the future, I hope our new council members will work with Council members Bernheim and Plunkett to save downtown trees. The impacts of cutting downtown trees are great.
