ASHEVILLE – The most pressing issue today is the removal of trees along Patton Avenue in downtown. While we’re at it, how’s the progress on the extensive roadwork on the UNC Asheville campus? Have any other questions for our staff? Email Executive Editor Karen Chavez at KChavez@citizentimes.com and your question may appear in an upcoming column.
question: I noticed that all the large trees in front of the First Citizens Bank on Patton Avenue downtown had been removed for some kind of construction. Really changed the view of the street. What is happening there, will the trees be replaced?
answer: What’s happening is a complete replacement of the sidewalks on both sides of Patton between Cox Avenue and Ashland Avenue. The goal is to improve accessibility to meet Americans with Disabilities Act standards, in part due to curved pavement and undulating tree roots.
Public Works Director Greg Shuler told the Asheville City Council in October that the scope of the sidewalk work includes replacing non-compliant curb ramps and removing and replanting trees.
At the same meeting, the City Council approved the use of a $300,000 federal grant for the project.
Staff with the city’s Street Department, a division of the Department of Public Works, said via email on April 19 that construction began on March 12, but the original April completion schedule had to be adjusted. The Streets Department expects it will take about two to three more weeks to complete work on the south side of Barton in front of First Citizen, and then crews will move to the north side for about six weeks.
The city said April 19 that while removing 18 trees and replacing 17 was the original scope of the project, an additional tree was removed on the south side “due to space constraints and the need to meet ADA compliance.” trees, meaning all but two trees will be replaced.
“The south side offers more space for tree canopy growth, so we took advantage of that and planted small leaf lime trees there as they form a larger canopy,” the streets team said in an email. “Staff still want the south side If that doesn’t happen, the trees will be planted in the fall to take advantage of better planting conditions than in the summer.”
In October, Schuler said, we reported that some street trees were “expired.” Replacement trees will be installed in larger grilles to improve the overall health of the trees, he said. Trees will also be planted lower to prevent their roots and trunks from lifting surrounding walkways and gratings.
more:Trees fall on Vermont Avenue to make way for sidewalks; West Asheville neighbors mourn
“We understand people’s concerns about tree removal, however, those trees identified for removal were identified as species unsuitable for an urban environment,” the city said. “For example, many tree pits have outgrown their original ‘tree pits,’ Their roots create pavement damage that is not only an ADA challenge but also a tripping hazard for any user.”
They say the new plantings will be a combination of ginkgo, black eucalyptus and small-leaved linden trees, which are better suited to the environment.
question: Streets leading to the University of North Carolina Asheville campus have been closed for some time to double the width of the asphalt. I observed that officials began the process by cutting down a large swath of mature evergreen trees, either fir or hemlock. What process must government officials go through to defend actions that strip our cities of their beauty and improve our environment?
answer: UNCA began implementing a road improvement program last year. It affects traffic patterns, parking, bus and shuttle routes, pedestrian travel and more.
“We are basically working to redo a large portion of University Heights. In the process, we discovered aging water and sewer lines, so the project timeline was extended. We are now in the second phase of the project,” UNCA said Michael Strysick said via email in April 18.
An October planning update posted on the university’s website said: “To improve infrastructure, grading and drainage work in the area, 39 exotic spruce trees along the access road will need to be removed.”
There are plans to replace the non-native Norwegian spruce trees with white oak trees.
“The east side of University Heights will also be improved, which means 15 aging white pine trees growing very close to the road will be removed,” the website says. “These trees will be replaced with other native trees and shrubs to enhance the The overall intention was to plant more trees than were removed by construction and to use native species.”
Another update in April said a large tree with severe damage needed to be removed near Owen Hall.
As for oversight, the city hired an arborist and an urban forester. The city is developing an urban forestry master plan with the overall goal of increasing the urban tree canopy. Asheville also has a Tree Preservation Ordinance that requires developers to consider tree canopies and requires them to preserve some trees, plant new trees or pay a fee in lieu of retaining trees.
more:Meet Asheville’s first urban forester. How will cities plant tree canopies?
more:Asheville City Council approves $300,000 to replace Patton Avenue sidewalks downtown
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Sarah Honosky is a city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen-Times, a USA TODAY Network affiliate. News tip? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message us on Twitter: @slhonosky.Please support daily local journalism by subscribing to Citizen Times.
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