Danbury City project team recommends removing several mature Main Street trees for ADA sidewalk reconstruction

City project staff presented plans to remove and replace several mature street trees along Main Street to allow reconstruction of sidewalks to modern accessibility standards.

At a public meeting, civil engineer Rima Loqaitis of Martinez Couch and Associates said the sidewalks were last rehabilitated in 1991 and now show "vertical displacement and even...cracking" and that tree roots are pushing up panels, creating hazards for people with disabilities. Loqaitis said excavation for a new 5-inch concrete slab and 8-inch subbase (about 13 inches total) would intrude into key root zones and that "removing substantial roots" can threaten mature trees; the engineering solution proposed is removal of select trees, construction of an ADA-compliant sidewalk and replanting in larger, modern tree pits with root barriers.

Landscape architect Terry Hahn described a tree-by-tree assessment and said several trees planted in 1991 were at the end of their expected life cycle and in poor condition, citing girdling roots, displaced pavement and proximity to utilities. A project representative told the meeting the plan does not reduce the overall number of street trees long term because the removed trees will be replaced with species chosen after community engagement and planted with root-management features. "Everything that we are planting was actually the outcome of a lot of community engagement," the representative said.

Resident Mr. Chang urged preserving the mature canopy for shade, flood control and downtown character and proposed enlarging tree pits or leaving mulched areas; the chair said he will review the site and notify Mr. Chang of his decision. The meeting closed after a motion to adjourn was seconded.

The plan must also comply with state review: presenters said the corridor is within the Connecticut state right-of-way and DOT review is required because the project will use state funding and must meet PROWAG (Public Rights-of-Way Accessibility Guidelines) as well as the Americans with Disabilities Act.