Tree dispute leaves San Bruno residents frustrated

Citing a report suggesting they could pose a potential health hazard to eventual park goers, councilmembers upheld an earlier decision appealed by residents who went out on a limb to fight for the trees, according to video of the meeting Wednesday, Nov. 14.

“I want to make sure the community, neighborhood and children are safe,” said Mayor Rico Medina, referring to an arborist’s report suggesting the Norfolk island pine could drop large cones onto a children’s playground planned nearby. Officials also suggested the trees could be a maintenance problem, dropping materials onto the new equipment.

Following an immersive community planning process, officials ultimately agreed the trees should be chopped down to allow for unfettered construction of the new park as initially designed.

Officials purchased the property formerly occupied by a single-family home in 2016 for construction of a new park, and have subsequently sunk about $1.4 million into planning the project. When crafting a vision for the site last year, officials recognized the trees would need to be addressed. The Parks and Recreation Commission voted earlier this year in favor of removal, and the decision was appealed by residents to the City Council for further deliberation.

In lieu of cutting them down, officials drew alternative park plans which would have either reduced the amount of amenities available or required large segments of the area to be fenced off to mitigate the potential health hazard.

Councilman Michael Salazar said he believed the trees should be cut down to allow for full development of the open space.

“In the end, I’m really thinking the optimal design for this park will come from having a clean slate and putting things where they belong and just making this the best park that we are able to design for the community,” he said.

Such a decision needled residents who formed a community group to save the trees, and occasionally interrupted officials during deliberations at the meeting.

“They are beautiful trees, they’ve done nothing wrong and they deserve to be there,” said resident Tim O’Brien, who was one of among nearly one dozen residents who advocated to preserve the trees.

Resident Adam Cozzette shared a similar perspective.

“Keeping the trees will make the park more successful,” he said, suggesting community members would appreciate an effort to preserve the existing habitat.

Beyond their wishes to save the trees, residents rooted their concerns in claims that officials botched the planning process and misled the community in regards to their interest in cutting down the trees. They also questioned the veracity of claims that falling cones could harm those enjoying the park.

Councilwoman Irene O’Connell took exception to some of those suggestions, while defending officials’ desire to build a community asset which is safe for everyone.

“I resent people saying things about us that aren’t true,” said O’Connell.

Salazar also shared his frustration that the attempt to build a new park is a source of contention between officials and residents.

“It’s really disheartening that it’s come to an issue that is so divisive in the community,” he said.

For his part, Medina acknowledged officials could have done a better job communicating with residents regarding the perceived need to cut down the trees. But he countered that perspective with hopes that mended relationships could begin to bloom at the park’s eventual ribbon cutting.

“I’m sorry we had to get to this point and I’m sorry it wasn’t smoother but I hope we do have the joy of the park when it’s time to celebrate the opening,” he said.

Councilman Marty Medina recused himself from voting on the matter because he lives near the park site.

austin@smdailyjournal.com

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