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Committee approves Groundwork RI plan to plant roughly 45 trees at Fallon Elementary
Summary
The committee approved a memorandum of agreement with Groundwork Rhode Island to plant about 45 trees in two phases at Fallon Elementary, funded by the city's Inflation Reduction Act Urban Forestry grant; committee members debated species selection, sidewalk/root impacts, and maintenance beyond the grant’s three‑year period before approving the project 3–1.
Administration presented a memorandum of agreement on June 23 with Groundwork Rhode Island to add approximately 45 trees to Fallon Elementary in two phases. Dr. Andre said phase 1 (15 trees) is completed and phase 2 would add roughly 30 trees after targeted asphalt removal; the work is funded through the City of Pawtucket’s Inflation Reduction Act Urban Forestry Grant and will cover plantings plus three years of maintenance at no cost to the school department.
Groundwork representatives explained the site plan, canopy goals and species selection; they said the proposed planting would raise canopy coverage toward a target (their presentation estimated a plan that would reach about 29% canopy, just under a 30% goal). Committee members questioned tree species, root impacts to sidewalks, leaf‑litter management and long‑term maintenance after the three‑year funding window. Groundwork and administration said they met repeatedly with school staff and custodians to limit species that create heavy debris and to minimize impacts, but acknowledged ongoing maintenance will fall to district facilities after the grant period.
After discussion, the committee approved the memorandum of agreement. Committee members recorded a divided vote on the measure (3 in favor, 1 opposed), while several requested follow‑up on species selection, placement near houses, and a clear handoff plan for maintenance after the grant period.
