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Parks commission approves removal of 13 trees on North Milpas Street, conditions at least 30 replacements
Summary
After a lengthy public debate, the commission approved a Public Works request to remove 13 trees along the 0–900 blocks of North Milpas Street to allow curb extensions, sidewalk widening and improved sight lines, with the condition that at least 30 replacement trees be planted as the project advances.
On Jan. 29, 2025, the Santa Barbara Parks and Recreation Commission voted to approve Public Works's request to remove 13 trees along the 0 to 900 blocks of North Milpas Street as part of the Milpas Street Crosswalk Safety and Sidewalk Widening Project.
Public Works planner Michelle Bedard told the commission the corridor-level project combines intersection-safety upgrades, minor sidewalk widening, new traffic signals and lighting, and bicycle-lane buffers. Bedard said staff and consultants evaluated 95 trees in the corridor and proposed 13 removals "based on accessibility and sight-line criteria," including a 36-inch minimum clear ground width and 36 inches width measured at 80 inches in vertical clearance.
The commission heard that the removals are categorized as 8 trees removed for safety and accessibility (for example failing to meet 80-inch vertical clearance), and five trees removed to accommodate intersection curb extensions.…
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