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Board allows one tree removal at Bethany Methodist renovation but denies mass removal
Summary
Bethany United Methodist Church’s appeal to remove nine trees during a major renovation was narrowed: after expert testimony and planning staff review, the board granted removal of one tree (Tree #3 on Sanchez) with DPW‑approved replacement and otherwise upheld DPW’s denial to remove the rest at this time.
The Board of Appeals on March 9 approved removal of a single street tree (Tree #3 on Sanchez) for Bethany United Methodist Church’s ongoing renovation but denied the broader request to remove nine trees around the property.
The church sponsors presented two arborist reports and said the site has repeated sewer repairs, lifting sidewalks, and trees in conflict with utilities and a planned relocated entrance and courtyard. Architect and consultant testimony argued removing the tree in the courtyard axis is necessary to implement the approved design and to avoid future sidewalk and sewer damage.
DPW urban forestry staff recommended denial for the majority of trees, noting several were healthy and adding that the site offered opportunities (because the sidewalk will be rebuilt) to enlarge tree basins and avoid root conflicts. After public testimony and technical discussion, commissioners split on the broader removal but voted to allow the single removal requested for functional and design reasons, conditioned on DPW‑approved replacement species, size and location or payment of an in‑lieu fee if replanting is not feasible.
The decision preserves most of the existing tree canopy while allowing the church to proceed with an identified, limited modification to facilitate its courtyard entrance. The parties were directed to work with DPW on replacement species and locations.
