Residents of Ukiah, California, are voicing their concerns over a proposed improvement project that could lead to the removal of long-standing Chinese Pistache trees along School Street. An online petition initiated by local resident Dennis O’Brien has garnered about 2,300 signatures as of Friday, reflecting the community’s deep affection for these trees, which have been a staple of the downtown landscape for over six decades.
The petition, hosted on Change.org, asserts that the City of Ukiah plans to undertake a project that would result in the removal of these beloved trees as part of a broader initiative to upgrade sidewalks and repair aging underground infrastructure. The trees, known for providing shade during hot summers and vibrant colors in the fall, have become a focal point of local pride.
City officials, however, are urging residents to remain calm, stating that the petition may be premature. Shannon Riley, the Assistant City Manager, emphasized that there is currently no funding allocated for the improvement project, which would also evaluate the potential need for tree replacement. She noted that while the existing Chinese Pistache trees are appreciated for their beauty, they pose certain challenges. Their roots have wrapped around city water lines and are causing structural issues for nearby buildings, including buckling sidewalks.
“Is tree replacement one of the options being evaluated? Of course,” said Riley, acknowledging that discussions are ongoing in a year-long planning study aimed at enhancing downtown Ukiah. The proposed project could also include the renovation of sidewalks, upgrades to water and sewer lines, adjustments to parking, and the conversion of a section of School Street to one-way traffic.
Despite the community’s passion for the trees, Riley pointed out the necessity of addressing the infrastructure issues exacerbated by the growing roots. “We have overwhelmingly heard that our community loves School Street and doesn’t consider it ‘broken’. We get that,” she said. “But if we don’t invest in infrastructure upgrades, it will start to fail.”
The city has held two community meetings to discuss the potential improvements, with a third scheduled for December 11, 2023, at the Ukiah Conference Center. Riley highlighted the extensive outreach efforts, including workshops, walking tours with engineers, and a dedicated project webpage. This initiative aims to gather feedback and ideas from residents about how to enhance the downtown experience while preserving its charm.
Local resident Cassie Taaning expressed her initial alarm upon hearing about the potential removal of the trees but later acknowledged the practical aspects of the situation. “The species is way too big for sidewalk urban use. They keep growing into the buildings so they have to be trimmed regularly,” she noted in a community post. She suggested that while the autumn colors are cherished, the sidewalks require attention, and a more suitable tree species should be considered for replacement.
Riley reassured the public that the planning process is thorough and transparent, aiming to balance the community’s love for the existing trees with the practical needs of urban infrastructure. “Nothing has been done in a bubble and there are no preconceived outcomes here,” she stated.
She further explained that trees planted in optimal environments can thrive without damaging surrounding structures. Newly planted trees in the downtown area are only three years old, yet some have already outgrown their surroundings.
In the coming weeks, residents will have more opportunities to engage in the planning process, ensuring their voices are heard as the city navigates the delicate balance between preserving its heritage and addressing pressing infrastructure needs.
