In a recent meeting of the Northampton Urban Forestry Commission, city officials discussed the planned removal of several trees at 170 Rocky Hill Road to facilitate infrastructure improvements for a new shared-use path. This path aims to connect the Rocky Hill Greenway with the bike trail leading to East Hampton, enhancing accessibility for cyclists and pedestrians alike.

The project, part of a Massachusetts Department of Transportation initiative, requires the removal of six trees to accommodate the construction. During a public safety hearing, only one resident, John Paradis from Ice Pond Drive, attended to gather information and raised no objections to the tree removal. Prior to this meeting, Carolyn, a city representative, held a neighborhood meeting to inform residents about the project and its implications.

To mitigate the environmental impact of the tree removal, Carolyn has committed to using funds from the city’s tree mitigation program to plant replacement trees in public areas. While specific locations for replanting are still being determined, the goal is to enhance green spaces in the vicinity, although options may be limited due to the construction of the shared-use path.

The project is currently out to bid, with construction expected to begin in the spring. As the city moves forward with these improvements, officials are focused on balancing infrastructure development with environmental stewardship, ensuring that the community benefits from both enhanced pathways and continued green spaces.