In a move aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety, the City of Santa Barbara has announced plans to cut down 13 ficus trees along a busy stretch of Milpas Street. This decision comes as part of a broader initiative to make the street safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists alike.
The trees, situated between Canon Perdido and Quinientos streets, have been identified as contributing to visibility issues for motorists and lifting sidewalks, creating additional hazards for pedestrians.
This action follows the city’s receipt of a State Active Transportation Program Grant in 2022, underlining a commitment to reducing vehicle versus pedestrian collisions in an area known for having the second-highest number of such incidents in the city.
Milpas Street is set to undergo significant transformations, including the introduction of additional lighting, the installation of high-visibility crosswalks, a new traffic signal at the intersection with Yanonali Street, and widespread accessibility improvements among other enhancements.
The city plans to retain 82 trees in the vicinity and will offset the loss by planting approximately three dozen new, young trees, some of which will be eucalyptus, chosen for their compatibility with the area.
The recommendation for tree removal came from the city’s Street Tree Advisory Committee, emphasizing the need for clear sight lines for motorists and safer, more accessible sidewalks. The trees slated for removal include five due to accessibility issues, three obstructing motorists’ views at intersections, and five located near intersections earmarked for sidewalk widening and the creation of designated bike lanes.
The community’s reaction to these plans has been mixed, with some residents mourning the loss of the mature ficus trees while others welcome the much-needed safety improvements. The decision was solidified in a city council vote, passing with a 5-1-1 margin. Councilman Oscar Gutierrez abstained due to missing part of the discussion during an appeal hearing.
Additional safety measures in the project include the installation of curb extensions and medians, alongside new flashing Rapid Rectangular Beacons (RRB) at currently un-signalized crosswalks. These updates aim to not only shorten pedestrian crossing distances but also to significantly enhance the visibility and safety of all who navigate Milpas Street.
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https://www.edhat.com/news/santa-barbaras-eastside-faces-potential-tree-removal-amid-safety-upgrades/
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They’re poorly-sited big trees which are blowing up the sidewalks. Goodbye ficuses. Gonesky.
Ficus trees are ornamental when young and pruned into perfect globes or other topiary but these very old and large specimens are very difficult and expensive to trim, not to mention their powerful lateral root systems that causes havoc with sidewalks. These are the same, or related closely, to the ficus commonly used as house plants just way to big for it’s placement as an ornamental on a narrow sidewalk.