Commission previews large-scale West Avenue corridor planting plan

The commission discussed a conceptual corridor-planting plan for West Avenue, from North Main Street toward the I‑95/Route 7 overpass, that would add about 60 trees and understory plantings in medians and pads to increase canopy, provide shade and enhance gateways. Peter described a mix of plane trees (London plane or sycamore), Bloodgood maples, silver lindens, Yoshino cherries and oaks as a pattern to provide visual sequencing and redundancy so single losses do not break the pattern.

Commissioners noted the project’s scale and likely cost and recommended a phased approach. Sarah said staff will meet with engineering (Paul) to assess feasibility, coordinate with an upcoming paving project referenced by Paul, and explore grant funding and the city’s Green Grant Program to fund portions of the work.