Sun shines more on some Long Beach streets

There’s a little less shade on some streets in Long Beach. Due to roadwork on the 500 block of East Market Street and 600 block of West Chester Street, 34 trees were cut down.

Kevin Mulligan, commissioner of public works, said that as part of the city’s five-year capital plan the city is undertaking a complete rehabilitation of the roadway, which includes new water and sewer mains, sidewalks, curbs, street surfacing and landscaping. National Grid has also replaced a gas main as part of this coordinated effort. The entire project costs approximately $1.3 million. “Although the city looks to save as many of the trees as possible, this sometimes becomes difficult as a result of the construction process,” Mulligan said.

Mulligan explained that due to the city’s high water table, the root systems of many of the large trees are shallow. By cutting away at the roots of the trees in order to do the work, the tree becomes unstable. “Many of the trees are diseased as well,” he added. “I wish they didn’t have to cut them all down,” said resident Jennifer Gilmore, who initially contacted the Herald with concerns about the number of old trees that were cut. After speaking to neighbors, Gilmore said they told her many of the trees were in decay and would be replaced.

“I started noticing the first tree being cut down about a month ago,” said resident Tom Beirne, who noted that one morning he found the street had been closed off for reconstruction. “I’m not too fond of the idea that they cut down the trees, because it takes away the shade on those sunny days,” he said.

Mulligan said that 26 new trees will be planted to replace the mostly sycamores that were cut, and that the varieties selected are more appropriate for the neighborhood and will minimize impacts to the sidewalks, yards and curbs. These include American hornbeam, autumn serviceberry and hedge maple.

The bulk of the work is expected to be completed before year’s end, with new trees being planted next spring. The next street slated for repair is Broadway, between Long Beach and Edwards boulevards.

Comments about this story? JKellard@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 213.