The removal of eight cherry trees on Pike Street in front of the Pike Place Market entrance began Tuesday morning after a week of controversy and compromise.
Last week, Mayor Bruce Harrell ordered the 40-year-old trees removed and replaced with new cherry trees. This was a change from the original plan by the city’s Bureau of Waterfront and Civic Projects, which would have planted hybrid elms in their place. He also ordered the planting of 16 new cherry trees, likely along other stretches of the waterfront as public improvement projects continue there.
The mayor’s decision was followed by meetings with local chapters of the Japanese American Citizens League and conservation group Save The Market Entrance, both of whom opposed the uprooting of the trees, citing their cultural and historical importance.
The tree replacement is part of a $17.5 million project to better connect Capitol Hill to the waterfront by expanding sidewalks, protecting and establishing bike lanes, and other upgrades of Pike Street from Bellevue Avenue to First Avenue.
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https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/cherry-tree-removal-on-pike-street-underway-following-compromise/
