Commission approves Maher/Davidson/Park/Gary street reconstruction design after debate over trees and one‑sided sidewalks

The Transportation Commission voted to advance the design for the Davidson Street, Maher Avenue, Park Court and Gary Street reconstruction project after extended public comment and detailed staff explanation of tradeoffs between tree preservation and sidewalk coverage.

Project basics: City staff described a full street reconstruction that will replace pavement, install curb and gutter, replace sanitary and water mains, add storm sewer and stormwater features, and install sidewalks and driveway aprons. Construction is planned for fall 2025 through spring/summer 2026 for the project limits shown in staff materials.

Tree canopy and sidewalks: The neighborhood has an extensive mature tree canopy and residents, petition organizers and commissioners pressed staff to avoid extensive tree removals. Staff presented alternatives that balanced coverage with tree preservation: both‑sided sidewalks would remove many mature trees (staff estimated dozens of trees would be impacted in some alternatives); a one‑sided sidewalk alternative greatly reduced removals and produced pockets of on‑street parking. Forestry staff had flagged the canopy as significant and advised against planting new street trees where large adjacent canopy already exists.

Commission decision and rationale: After public testimony from several neighbors who opposed sidewalk installation through the cul‑de‑sac and urged minimizing tree loss, the commission voted to approve the staff‑recommended cross sections that prioritize one‑sided sidewalks on most blocks while preserving terrace space where possible and providing two‑sided parking near the YMCA where demand is highest. Commissioners noted concerns that sidewalk‑based traffic calming only works when on‑street parking is used; staff said on‑street vehicle counts showed limited daytime occupancy in some blocks but promised to refine curb‑to‑curb widths and terrace sizes in the detailed design phase.

Accessibility and maintenance concerns: Residents of the Gary Street cul‑de‑sac asked why sidewalks would be installed to the end of the dead‑end; staff responded that the one‑sided sidewalk is intended to complete pedestrian connectivity to existing paths and the Dempsey Road path, but acknowledged maintenance and snow‑clearance issues and said they would work with Parks and Forestry on terrace details and accessible ramps. Staff also identified several small trees to be removed where storm‑sewer work or utility replacement requires it; one tree removal near the cul‑de‑sac was attributed to poor health and forestry assessment.

What happens next: Staff will finalize curb face widths, terrace depths and parking pockets during design refinements; they will coordinate with Forestry and Parks to protect the canopy, add compensatory plantings where feasible and identify locations for rain gardens where right of way permits. Construction is planned to begin in fall 2025, with return reporting as staff completes the detailed design and public notices before construction.