Planning board approves most proposed sidewalk-tree removals, orders replanting and steps to try to save key trees

Lowell Planning Board members approved removal of multiple street trees May 19 to allow ADA-compliant sidewalk and curb reconstruction, but attached conditions requiring replanting and an effort to preserve at least one mature tree.

The replanting schemes cover removals on Barrisford Avenue, Andover Street, Magnolia Street, Varnum/Bonneville, Wedge Street and the Ruth/Parker Street area. City staff said the planned work is needed because “overgrown root system damaging the existing sidewalk creates a significant tripping hazard,” and that reconstruction will include granite curb installation and Americans with Disabilities Act–compliant sidewalks.

The vote on the Barrisford Avenue removals included a board motion that “the applicant take all reasonable measures to preserve the tree located at 15 Barrisford” and to ensure new plantings and tree boxes are designed “to prevent future damage to the new sidewalks.” That motion carried after a second. For 486 Andover Street, the board approved removal with four members in favor and one opposed.

Residents pressed the board to consider saving healthy, mature trees. Eli Ketchum, a resident of 15 Barrisford Ave., told the board he appreciated the city’s replacement plan but said, “maybe for future projects, there's an opportunity to maybe just not touch the sidewalks,” and asked officials to consider alternatives to wholesale sidewalk reconstruction. Steven Conant, 34 Barrisford Ave., argued that on some properties the trees are healthy and provide shade and traffic calming and said, “the burden of proof on the removal of any tree is on those who are proposing to remove it.”

City staff and the contractor explained planting and design choices. An engineer for the city explained the replanting plan for Barrisford would replace five removed trees with roughly 12 new trees along the street, subject to utility conflicts discovered during excavation. Proposed new tree boxes were described as a minimum 3 feet wide by 3 feet deep with approximately 10 feet of length for each planting strip; staff said final species and spacing will follow DCR (Department of Conservation and Recreation) availability and “right tree, right place” guidance.

Board members said they want replanting plans submitted earlier in the review process and clearer planting-species lists in common names. Vice Chair Frechette said she wants follow-up reporting to confirm trees were planted where shown; other members asked that planting locations be adjusted if utilities prevent exact placement and that the city provide a public schedule for planting.

Other motions approved included conditional approvals for the Ruth/Parker removals and Magnolia/Varnum replanting plans; the board asked that at least one of the replacement trees be located closer to Parker Street if utilities allow. Where board members and staff agreed a tree might be salvageable—most notably at 15 Barrisford—staff said crews will “take all reasonable measures” and that final decisions may occur once sidewalks are excavated and root extents are visible.

The board closed the consolidated tree hearings after approving the various removal and replanting plans with the stated conditions. Staff said they will return updates on final in‑field outcomes and planting confirmations after construction begins, and that species choices will be provided in common names and coordinated with the city’s master forestry approach.