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Board Upholds DPW Decision on Two Street Trees at 3365 Clay Street
Summary
Homeowners sought permission to remove two sidewalk‑adjacent trees citing sidewalk, step and sewer damage; the Board debated risks and possible mitigation but did not reach the supermajority needed to overturn DPW, so the denial of removal for the second tree was upheld.
Scott and Linda Crawford appealed Director’s Order No. 178116, seeking removal of two street trees adjacent to 3365 Clay Street, arguing aggressive root systems had damaged sidewalk squares, steps and possibly a clay sewer connection. DPW recommended removal of one tree (tree 1) because root removal required for sidewalk repair would likely destabilize it; the bureau denied removal of the second tree pending inspection when sidewalk repair begins.
Property owner Scott Crawford described progressive sidewalk uplift, damage to steps and concerns about sewer pipe damage and said the owners would plant replacement trees at their expense and elsewhere in the city. DPW’s Carla Short explained the bureau’s analysis, outlined options including basin expansion (to give roots room) and noted the bureau would be available to inspect exposed roots during sidewalk repair to determine survivability of root pruning.
Commissioners considered the department’s preservation‑first standard against the owners’ safety and damage claims. A motion to overrule the department (allow removal of both trees conditioned on planting 36‑inch box replacements and funding four additional city trees) was made but failed to achieve the four‑vote threshold required under the charter; the department’s original denial of removal for the second tree therefore stood.
Next steps: The Crawford property owners may proceed with sidewalk repairs and request DPW inspection of roots as provided in the director’s order; DPW and the owners will coordinate replacement plantings if removal is ultimately authorized.
