Public raises alarm about Summit Avenue trees; council lays tree preservation ordinance over for more input

The Saint Paul City Council on Jan. 22 held a public hearing on a proposed tree preservation ordinance (ordinance 25‑4) for city‑sponsored projects and laid the matter over to Feb. 26 to allow additional public input and staff rulemaking.

Several residents told the council they were startled by the speed of the ordinance process and urged stronger, enforceable protections for trees. “When you cut trees down, it changes everything,” said Judy Elsgerbelle of 584 Lincoln, citing Summit Avenue and local neighborhoods. Tom Darling, president of the Summit Avenue Residential Preservation Association, told the council he submitted written comments and a draft ordinance he wrote because he believes the proposal “is not detailed enough” and lacks “real teeth.”

Councilmember Naker, who carried the item, acknowledged the volume of public comment and moved a layover to Feb. 26 to allow her staff to meet with those who submitted testimony and to give parks and public works directors time to help craft rule language. Naker said staff would use the intervening period to gather input before beginning a formal rule‑making process.

The council closed the public hearing and approved the layover motion unanimously.

Speakers at the hearing emphasized tree canopy, stormwater and habitat benefits, and local identity tied to Summit Avenue’s long tree‑lined boulevard. Preservation advocates requested a more prescriptive ordinance that would limit tree removals tied to public projects such as the Summit Avenue bike trail.

The council’s stated next steps are a Feb. 26 return with revised language and staff‑prepared rules that will be subject to additional public comment.