The City of Whittier is currently facing a lawsuit related to a controversial plan to cut down more than 100 trees, including dozens of historic fig trees.
The Greenleaf Promenade project, which would remove 83 60-year-old fig trees from uptown Whittier, has sparked consternation from Whittier residents and others who enjoy the shade, aesthetic value and additional benefits the trees provide. There is.
Whittier residents outraged by plan to remove fig tree in historic district
The project is currently the subject of a lawsuit from the Whittier Conservancy, which claims the city failed to conduct an environmental study “including potential impacts to greenhouse gas capture and available shade.” The Los Angeles Times reports.
A fig tree in Uptown Whittier seen from Sky5. (KTLA) Aerial view of a fig tree in uptown Whittier from Sky5. (KTLA) Aerial view of a fig tree in uptown Whittier from Sky5. (KTLA) Large fig trees line Greenleaf Avenue in uptown Whittier. (KTLA) Large fig trees line Greenleaf Avenue in uptown Whittier. (KTLA) Fig trees line Greenleaf Avenue in uptown Whittier. (KTLA) A rendering of the new “Greenleaf Promenade.” Trees will be smaller and pedestrian features and green space will be improved. (City of Whittier) A rendering of the new Greenleaf Promenade with smaller trees and improved pedestrian features. (City of Whittier) Ficus trees line Greenleaf Avenue in Uptown Whittier. This area is full of family-run shops and restaurants. (KTLA) Large fig trees line Greenleaf Avenue in uptown Whittier. (KTLA) Ficus trees line Greenleaf Avenue in Uptown Whittier. This area is full of family-run shops and restaurants. (KTLA) A rendering of the new “Greenleaf Promenade.” Trees will be smaller and pedestrian features and green space will be improved. (City of Whittier)
But city officials say the “invasive” trees are destroying local infrastructure, including damaging sidewalks and clogging sewer lines.
“If we’re going to improve this place, we’ve got to do something about the tree roots, and that means we’ve got to do something about the trees,” Mayor Pro Tempore Kathy Warner said earlier this year.
City officials did not immediately respond to KTLA’s request for comment, but this article will be updated with their response.
