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City projects and Sound Transit work could affect trees; council liaison outlines timing and funding uncertainty
Summary
Council liaison Larry Goldman updated the Tree Board on the Lakefront Park, roundabout and Sound Transit BRT schedule — noting funding uncertainty and likely tree impacts along rights of way.
Councilmember Larry Goldman told the Tree Board that several city and regional projects could affect street and park trees and that the timing and funding for those projects remains uncertain.
Why it matters: Public works and transit construction often require removal of trees in rights of way and trigger replacement or tree-fund mitigation. The board said it needs to coordinate early with project managers to protect canopy where feasible.
Key project updates: Goldman said the Lakefront Park construction will likely be built in stages because the state Senate budget included $1,000,000 for park construction while the House budget did not; funds must be reconciled by the end of the month. A federal earmark that had been expected was removed when a continuing resolution replaced the congressional appropriations package.
Roundabout and right-of-way: City staff expect to advertise for bids for a proposed roundabout at Ballinger Road and 40th Avenue N.E. (State Highway 104/Ballinger corridor). Goldman said the roundabout will remove some right-of-way trees; the city’s right-of-way code contemplates replanting in the right-of-way or funding planting in nearby tree-deficient zones if replanting at the site is not feasible.
Sound Transit: Goldman said Sound Transit’s BRT work will not likely require permits in Lake Forest Park until 2026; local construction impacts are expected to begin in adjacent cities earlier than that.
Board response and next steps: Members asked for coordination so replanting and mitigation can be prioritized in tree-deficient neighborhoods and for clarity on available tree-fund dollars. Goldman said the board’s recommendations on exceptional trees and planting priorities will be timely inputs for project planners.
