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Aleppo‑tree dispute prompts CEQA review; petitioners seek full EIR, staff to report back
Summary
Staff told the Parks Board that consultants recommended a Mitigated Negative Declaration for an Aleppo‑tree removal project, but petitioners challenged the MND and requested a full Environmental Impact Report; staff and consultants are reviewing the petition and will provide an update at the next meeting.
City staff briefed the Parks and Recreation Board on an ongoing dispute over the proposed removal of Aleppo pine trees that previously went before City Council.
Staff told the board consultants found no potentially significant impacts and recommended completing a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). "Completing a mitigated negative declaration was appropriate and suitable," staff said during the Jan. 9 meeting.
Petitioners who oppose the MND submitted information disputing some of the findings and requested that the city prepare a full Environmental Impact Report (EIR), which would be a more extensive environmental review. Staff said consultants and the city attorney are reviewing the petitioners' materials and that legal counsel will brief council in a closed or confidential session next week. Staff committed to returning to open session with an update and indicated the matter will be agendized for the February board meeting.
Board members discussed the procedural implications, including the possibility that a successful challenge to the MND could require completion of an EIR, which would extend the timetable for council action. Staff emphasized the legal and procedural steps are underway and did not announce a final course of action at the Jan. 9 meeting.
No formal board vote or direction was issued on Jan. 9; staff said it will provide a fuller update when consultants and counsel complete their review.
