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Albany commission approves removal of two Marin Avenue trees to install lighting and stormwater improvements
Summary
The commission approved staff recommendations to remove two trees at the Nielsen/Marin intersection — a multi‑stem liquidambar judged to be high‑risk with root decay and a London plane constrained by lighting placement. A property owner spoke in support and the motion passed with one abstention.
Staff presented the Wren Avenue/Marin Avenue rehabilitation project and the need for two specific tree removals at the Nielsen intersection to accommodate stormwater catch‑basins and new intersection lighting.
Urban forester John Hockridge described the southwest tree (a multi‑stem liquidambar) as showing significant root‑plate decay and Armillaria fungal indicators. "This tree is really a high risk tree," Hockridge said, noting a large decay section and root‑plate rot that put a stem at risk of falling.
Staff explained the northeast corner’s London plane tree is healthy but sits too close to the constrained location where the new pole and storm drain must be placed to provide proper crosswalk illumination without creating nuisance ponding. Staff told the commission that moving the pole to a different location would either shadow the crosswalk or affect another tree or the required storm drain location.
Julian, the property owner at 1501 Marine, spoke during public comment and supported removal for safety reasons, noting several recent traffic accidents at the corner and endorsing the planned lighting improvements.
A commissioner moved and another seconded the staff recommendation to remove both trees. Voting recorded: Commissioner Chan — yes; Commissioner Chang Frank — yes; Commissioner Martin — yes; Commissioner Sardinas — abstain; Commissioner Abbott — yes. The motion passed.
Staff said the removals were categorized under project‑required removals and risk‑based removal policy sections in the staff packet; replacement planting and other project details are described in the project attachment.
