City advances 2026 reconstruction plans; engineers say street narrowing will reduce tree losses but ash removals remain significant

Engineering staff presented a broad overview of planned 2026 street reconstruction projects, including 2nd Street with Division, Stark Street (5th–12th), and 8th Avenue (Spruce to Bridge). The projects are full reconstructions (water, sewer, curbs, and pavement) and staff said they narrowed some roadways (for example to 32 feet where feasible) to save trees and reduce costs.

The staff memo and presentation included preliminary tree-removal estimates: approximately 43% of trees on Stark and about 52% on 8th Avenue would be removed under the proposed cross-sections. Engineering said the narrowing decisions reduced tree loss compared with earlier designs and explained methods other cities use to save trees, such as narrower sidewalks, curb bump-outs and dedicated construction-season arborist staff to protect roots.

Councilmembers urged staff to seek additional tree-by-tree solutions where practicable; Alder Neal requested detailed plan maps showing which trees are slated for removal and asked the forester to evaluate ash specimens to avoid cutting apparently healthy trees. Staff said they will provide tree maps and follow up on ash assessments. Engineering also noted that treating ash trees can be a budget decision and that prior practice in other communities is to remove diseased/defective trees early to lower construction impacts.

Why it matters: The design choices will determine the number of mature trees lost, construction costs and neighborhood character. Councillors asked for more granular, parcel-level information before construction begins.

What’s next: Staff will provide removal maps with trees marked for removal, follow up with the forester on ash-tree assessments and continue to look at narrower design options where allowed by ordinance.