Mayor explains tree removals tied to Wellington/Garfield full reconstruction; estimates north of $2 million

A resident raised concerns at the Aug. 1 public meeting about tree removals on Wellington (and adjacent Garfield), and Mayor Glassman explained that the removals are tied to planned full reconstruction work and engineering requirements.

At public comment, a resident asked the board to clarify the Wellington tree removals and said she was troubled by the “buzz.” Mayor Glassman summarized the background: residents had requested road work; engineers examined the street and recommended full reconstruction rather than a simple mill‑and‑pave. The mayor said that full reconstruction sometimes requires removing trees — including healthy, mature specimens — because root systems, curbs, gutters and subsurface elements affect drainage and pitch. She said engineers identify which trees must be removed for safety or reconstruction reasons and that new trees will be planted in the project’s later stages.

Glassman said the village had to weigh the tradeoffs and noted that leaving destabilized root systems in place could create safety risks, such as trees falling after storms. She told the meeting that the village does not “pick” trees arbitrarily; rather, engineers and staff determine removals during the reconstruction planning process. She added that the village typically replants trees in the following planting season and that, while she would prefer not to remove healthy trees, reconstruction for long‑term road safety and drainage is the reason for the action.

The mayor also told residents the engineering on Wellington revealed a slab of concrete below the street that requires more extensive work than a simple mill and pave; she estimated the Wellington and Garfield reconstruction would be “north of $2,000,000,” describing the expenditure as “high ticket” for the village. She said residents who petitioned for the work would receive a long‑lasting reconstruction and that trees would be replaced “in a year” (typically planted in winter).

Residents at the June 2024 meeting requested the road work, Glassman said, and the administration responded by scheduling engineering and reconstruction rather than delaying the project. The discussion closed after trustees voted to adjourn the public comment period.

The comments at the meeting do not detail a final construction contract, bidding schedule or a planting plan; Glassman said replacement planting would follow village procedures and planting seasons.