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Residents and council flag tree removals, early sidewalk cracking on Susquehanna Avenue project
Summary
Council and residents raised concerns about tree removal and a cracked sidewalk on the Susquehanna Avenue reconstruction; staff said design and funding discussions continue and a design meeting is scheduled Thursday.
Residents attending the Sunbury City Council meeting raised concerns about tree removal and recently observed sidewalk cracking along the Susquehanna Avenue reconstruction, and council members said tree placement and final design will be addressed at an upcoming meeting.
A public commenter, Bridal Sulah, told the council that a large crack has already appeared in the sidewalk at 600 Susquehanna Avenue less than three months after it was installed and that nearby clean-outs are showing concrete separation. Sulah asked how the city will ensure removed street trees are replaced as the project proceeds north along the corridor.
Council members said a design meeting on Thursday will review timing, funding and plans for replacing or adding street trees in the project corridor. Councilors referenced existing sidewalk width constraints and possible approaches — including sidewalk cutouts or nodes that can accommodate tree plantings — and asked the Shade Tree/Tree Commission to be involved in placement decisions.
Why it matters
Susquehanna Avenue is part of the city’s multi-phase street program. Residents said recent sidewalk work has left visible defects and expressed concern that large-scale tree removals without replacement would leave the corridor visually bare and lessen shade and neighborhood character.
Details and next steps
- Resident report: The sidewalk at 600 Susquehanna Avenue showed a “huge crack” and a nearby clean-out is separating from surrounding concrete; Sulah said the new sidewalks were installed about 2½ months ago.
- Design review: Council members said designers will meet Thursday to discuss remaining phases, funding and tree placement; staff and the Shade Tree/Tree Commission will be asked to coordinate tree replacement plans.
- Follow-up: Council asked staff to verify an earlier removal on Packard Street where a tree was shredded and to confirm whether the owner wanted replacement; staff said they will verify at Thursday’s meeting.
Public comment on specific defects prompted city staff to commit to a site review and to follow up at the design meeting.
