Board of Appeals pauses 48-tree removal on 20th/4th Street, sets March 11 follow-up

The San Francisco Board of Appeals voted unanimously on Jan. 8 to continue appeals of a Public Works order to remove 48 street trees along 20th (Fourth) Street between Potrero Avenue and Mission Street until March 11, 2020, after extended public comment and a commitment from Supervisor Hillary Ronan—s office to facilitate further study and outreach.

The continuance followed passionate testimony from residents, community groups and cultural advocates who called the ficus-lined corridor a cultural and environmental asset. Kendra Sherrick, a Mission resident, said the immediate effect of removals already carried out was tangible: "I was shocked not only how it changed the entire atmosphere of the block" and that the loss increased sunlight and temperatures in her apartment. Calle 24 and other speakers described the trees as identity markers and raised concerns about carbon sequestration, heat impacts and the distributional effects on a historically pollution-burdened neighborhood.

Public Works Urban Forestry Supervisor Chris Buck said the bureau reluctantly agreed to the continuance but reiterated safety concerns that prompted the removal order, noting his staff—s structural assessments of the trees. "We do not take the removal of any street trees lightly," Buck said, adding that the bureau had conducted outreach but recognized the need for more community input.

Supervisor Ronan—s aide told the board the supervisor—s office would convene focused work with Public Works and the Department of the Environment to study environmental and public-health implications, explore replacement planting strategies near the corridor and seek alternatives to full removals. The city—s proposed removal order (Order No. 201771) calls for 24- and 36-inch-box replacement trees where feasible and completion of replacement plantings and necessary sidewalk repairs within three months after removals and stump removal.

Board members said the extra time is intended to produce a fuller record and community-backed options. Commissioner Daryl Honda, who made the motion to continue, said the process should allow the public to shape possible mitigations before the board rules: the March date is intended as an opportunity to bring back a more robust, informed proposal.

The board did not rule on the merits of the removals tonight; it postponed final action to allow the additional study and outreach set in motion by the continuance. The public and city departments will meet during the interval to craft alternatives and a possible mitigation/replanting plan ahead of the March 11 hearing.