A group of about two dozen folks assembled at a lot on Broadway across the street from Bullock’s to plant a tree. But the gathering was more than just a nod to Arbor Day. It was also about the loss of the decorative trees that were unceremoniously removed from Broadway during the ongoing water line replacement. Ironic that they were yanked from the ground so close to the national holiday acknowledging the value of trees.
Organized by Ken Merrick, owner of Spectrum Pottery and also owner of the lot the tree was planted on, the ceremony saw a chinese pistashe lowered into a large hole dug by Merrick and Priscilla Spitler.
Adjacent to the planting was signage created by local artist Don Hallock as a memorial to the trees improperly removed during the roadwork. The same memorial that was briefly on display at the corner of Foch and Broadway a few days ago.
Just prior to the tree being lowered into the hole, Spitler read some meaningful poetry and the lyrics to Joni Mitchell’s “They Paved Paradise” song. Merrick’s property has become somewhat of an unofficial park and a pleasant respite — distinct from other commercial lots in the area. Over the years his plantings have developed into an urban oasis — open to all. Earlier plantings of bushes, ornamental trees, and agave grace the lot and have created the mature parklike setting we enjoy today.
Today’s event was also an opportunity to add names to the signature list on a petition to address the issue of the recently removed trees and finding a practical resolution for replacing them.
hello~
i did not know about this & was working all day anyway
but
i would very much like to sign this petition as i do feel that with how much effort it takes to grow a tree here, mature healthy trees should be treated with utmost respect… i was sad to see those trees cut down but did not know why it happened~
I live on a corner in the city of TorC. There is a stop sign on my corner and the previous homeowner here had planted a chapparal plant next to the stop sign. Every year I cut it back at least 2X because it (was) a very healthy plant. On Friday April 28th I found a city bulldozer on my corner had just ripped out this bush without my receiving any notice from the city. I understand if it was a traffic hazard, fine. Whatever happened to being notified in advance of this type of action? Communication is my issue, same as with the downtown trees. Why is there no transparency or communication with citizens?