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Park Commission approves removal of two Bellevue street trees, delays third and delegates replacements
Summary
Following an arborist review, the commission voted 6–1 to remove two failing liquid‑amber street trees on Bellevue Avenue, delay removal of a third (topped by PG&E) for 1–2 years, and delegate selection of replacement species to city staff.
The Park Commission voted to remove two mature liquid‑amber trees on Bellevue Avenue after hearing an arborist’s assessment and neighborhood input, and to delay removal of a third topped tree until replacement trees can mature. Nancy Kent, park and project manager, presented arborist findings and offered two replacement candidates — Persian ironwood and tupelo (sour gum).
Commissioner Dave Johnson moved that the commission follow the city arborist’s recommendation to remove unsafe trees, delay one tree for one to two years, and delegate to city staff the selection of replacement species; the motion was seconded and passed on a voice vote, 6–1. Chair Tom Smigel called for a hand vote and recorded the tally: six in favor, one opposed.
Kent explained that 44 Bellevue showed internal decay and 50 Bellevue had a codominant leader making it structurally vulnerable. The tree at 57 Bellevue has been topped by PG&E and staff recommended leaving it in place temporarily and planting two additional, smaller trees north of the topped tree to preserve frontage while ensuring future canopy replacement.
