Board approves policy allowing sidewalks to be narrowed around tree cells downtown

The Board of Public Works voted to approve a policy allowing staff to narrow sidewalks immediately around tree openings (tree cells) to improve tree survival where space is constrained.

Jeremy, an engineering staff member, told the board the policy would permit engineers to reduce the code standard sidewalk width from 6 feet to 4 feet immediately around a tree opening, with an absolute minimum of about 3 feet in constrained locations. "This just allows us to put the cell in to give us an engineering the possibility to change sidewalk widths to accommodate this," Jeremy said, adding the policy does not mandate tree installation and that forestry still determines which trees are appropriate.

Council members asked for clarification and additional study. One member questioned whether the higher cost of biocells was justified if trees fail; Jeremy said the cells give trees a better chance of survival but acknowledged the expense. On a procedural question about scope, Director Gallagher noted that if members wanted more time they could move to refer the proposal for study; instead, the board voted to approve the policy after a motion and second.

The policy is framed as an administrative flexibility for future sites where a tree cell is already authorized; it does not change where trees may be planted or alter forestry's selection authority. The transcript records the motion passing but does not include a roll-call tally.