[B]URLINGTON – Trees came down on Monday as part of a controversial renovation at Burlington’s City Hall Park. Crews were expected to cut down 20 trees by the end of the day.
The citizen group Keep the Park Green has been challenging the project in court. The coalition has opposed the expansion of pavement in the park and the removal of fully grown trees.
Last week, a Vermont Superior Court judge ruled that work can proceed. The plaintiffs of a lawsuit opposing the project had asked for a preliminary injunction, claiming the city’s work permit is expired.
The court-set deadline for the city’s response to the permit issue is Tuesday. Burlington Mayor Miro Weinbeger said on Thursday the permit is valid and construction will continue as scheduled.
The park’s tree canopy was wide open on Monday afternoon, with several downed trees visible behind the fencing. Leaves and branches were scattered on the paths, which were sunnier than usual.
The new City Hall Park will include increased seating, a new fountain, rain gardens to mitigate stormwater runoff, realigned footpaths and more than 1,000 flowers and grasses. Fencing went up to prepare for the renovations last week.
While 20 trees will be cut, the city plans to plant 18 new ones, resulting in an overall reduction of two trees.
Cindi Wight, the director of Burlington Parks, Recreation and Waterfront department, said the tree removal is the first step in the renovations to allow for additional preparation work to occur. Removal of benches, trash cans and the fountain is slated to come next.
“Now that the park has been secured, there should be work there every day,” she said.
Wight said limbs and branches had been falling down from the trees, many of which are in poor health.
The City Hall Park redesign is scheduled for completion in fall 2020, but the city hopes to open some portions to the public next summer.
