The City of Independence updates residents on the progress of the installation of new trees in the downtown area.
At the February 26th City Commission meeting, commissioners approved a new downtown tree plan that would see the removal of the old trees. Park, Zoo & Cemetery Director Scott Patton says the last time the City addressed this issue was in 2015.
Recently, the City has received multiple complaints from downtown business owners and citizens regarding excessive bird droppings on sidewalks, seating areas and vehicles, and a variety of bird deterrent solutions have failed to resolve the issue. Phase 1 of the project to remove the old trees and install news has begun in the blocks surrounding the intersection of Penn and Main. Patton says the new trees are expected to reduce the bird problem.
Patton explained a total of 94 trees would be replaced over a three-year period, and partial funding for the project - $17,263 - will come from leftover donations from a 2015 tree-planting campaign. Remaining funds will come from the City’s general fund.
