Concerns are mounting in Ukiah over the potential removal of iconic Chinese Pistache trees along School Street, as a community petition has garnered around 2,300 signatures. Launched by local resident Dennis O’Brien on Change.org, the petition claims that the city’s plans for a downtown improvement project could lead to the removal of these trees, which have provided shade and beauty for over six decades.
Assistant City Manager Shannon Riley addressed the situation, asserting that the petition is premature. She emphasized that there are currently no plans or funds allocated for the removal of the trees. The city is still in the early stages of planning for improvements, which would include upgrades to sidewalks and the underground infrastructure.
Riley acknowledged that while the existing Chinese Pistache trees are valued for their aesthetic appeal, they pose significant challenges. The roots of these trees are entwined with city water lines, threatening the structural integrity of nearby buildings and causing sidewalks to buckle.
Community Engagement and Planning Process
Riley highlighted that community feedback is crucial to the planning process. “We have overwhelmingly heard that our community loves School Street and doesn’t consider it ‘broken,’” she stated. Yet, she stressed the importance of investing in infrastructure to protect the features residents cherish.
The proposed project aims to address multiple concerns, including the need for level sidewalks, the replacement of aging water and sewer lines, and potential changes to parking. If funding is secured, the city plans to conduct a comprehensive overhaul, potentially transforming part of School Street into a one-way traffic route.
Riley noted that a collaborative planning study has been ongoing for nearly a year. So far, two community meetings have been held, with a final session scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on December 11, 2023, at the Ukiah Conference Center. The city has also utilized various tools to gather public input, including surveys and an interactive online platform for feedback.
Local resident Cassie Taaning expressed her initial concerns about the trees but later recognized the necessity for change after learning more about the issues. “The trees were planted 60 years ago, and they live about 150 years. The species is way too big for sidewalk urban use. They keep growing into the buildings, so they have to be trimmed regularly,” Taaning explained.
Looking Ahead
The city’s planning process aims to explore options for replacing the Chinese Pistache trees with varieties that are more suitable for urban settings. Riley stated, “Every tree has a lifespan, and the Downtown Streetscape has shown us that trees planted in ideal environments can thrive without destroying their surroundings.”
As the conversation continues, city officials are committed to ensuring that community voices are heard. They are actively seeking to balance the preservation of beloved features with the need for essential infrastructure improvements.
Riley reassured residents that the current focus is on gathering feedback and developing solutions that benefit the entire community. “This project has been very widely publicized and there are no preconceived outcomes here,” she said.
The ongoing dialogue between city officials and the community will play a crucial role in shaping the future of School Street and its cherished trees.
