The Seattle Department of Transportation has approved the removal of six street trees at the former Harvey Family Funeral Home site at 508 N 36th St.
The June 22 decision covers the three red maples on N 36th Street, two incense cedars on Evanston Avenue N, and one ash tree on Dayton Avenue N, which Fremont Neighbor reported on last month. SDOT said it determined removal was the only feasible option after reviewing canopy and root impacts from the planned construction.
Tree Action Seattle filed a formal challenge on June 30, arguing that SDOT’s conclusions “do not adequately demonstrate that their removal is unavoidable or that preservation alternatives were fully considered consistent with the preservation objectives of SMC 15.43 and the SDOT Street Tree Manual.”
The organization said that independent field measurements show that between 58% and 81% of each maple’s canopy lies within the public right-of-way. They argue this is inconsistent with SDOT’s finding that about half of each tree’s canopy would need to be pruned.
Tree Action Seattle is asking the Director of Transportation to reverse the decision. They’re also requesting a preservation analysis, technical arborist findings, and evaluation of alternatives.
The Frank apartment project is a seven-story building being developed by Prometheus Real Estate Group with Exxel Pacific as general contractor. The project will plant 15 replacement trees along N 36th Street, Evanston Avenue N and Dayton Avenue N.
Anyone may request a Director’s Review by submitting a written request by July 2 to dot_directors_office@seattle.gov with a cc to publicspace@seattle.gov and DOT_LA@seattle.gov. The request must identify the decision being challenged, the grounds for objection based on city standards, and the specific remedy being proposed. The Director’s decision is final.
Leave a Reply