MidPen Housing appeals tree removal decision for Shirley Chisholm Village development

In a recent San Francisco government meeting, the City Council addressed a significant appeal concerning tree removals linked to a new housing development project. The appeal, initiated by MidPen Housing Corporation, sought permission to remove a total of 10 trees at the site of the proposed Shirley Chisholm Village, which aims to provide 135 units of affordable housing for educators.

The discussion centered around the removal of 14 trees that the Bureau of Urban Forestry (BUFF) had previously deemed healthy and sustainable. MidPen argued that the trees were in poor condition and that their removal was necessary to facilitate the construction of the new development. The Outer Sunset neighborhood, where the project is located, is known for its challenging growing conditions, which MidPen cited as a reason for the trees' poor health.

During the meeting, Lauren Fury, an associate project manager with MidPen, presented the revised landscape plan, which included a reduction in the number of requested tree removals from 19 to 10. This plan also proposed the planting of larger, more resilient trees to enhance the area’s urban canopy. The Bureau of Urban Forestry's acting Urban Forester, Steve Keller, supported the revised request, noting that the removal of the additional trees would not significantly impact the overall canopy cover in the long term.

Council members expressed concerns about the sustainability of the remaining trees and the potential impact of construction on their health. Keller assured the council that the new trees would be well cared for, with a robust irrigation plan in place to ensure their establishment over the next three to five years.

The meeting highlighted the delicate balance between urban development and environmental preservation, particularly in a city like San Francisco, where housing demands are high. The council's decision to allow the removal of the trees, while ensuring that new, more suitable trees would be planted, reflects an effort to address both housing needs and urban forestry concerns.

As the project moves forward, the collaboration between MidPen and BUFF will be crucial in ensuring that the new development not only meets housing demands but also contributes positively to the urban landscape. The council's approval of the revised tree removal request marks a significant step in the ongoing dialogue about sustainable urban development in San Francisco.