KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – We reported a year ago this month that the Road Commission of Kalamazoo County had plans to remove thousands of roadside trees as part of a federally funded effort to make the roads safer.
Residents in the southern part of the county are publicly opposing the plans, now that the lumberjacks are headed their way.
They have taken their opposition to the road commission and told the county commission last night they are angry about losing their scenic tree canopies.
Georgia Evans, Rhonda Walters, and Susie Fitzgibbon say driving at excessive speed kills people, not trees.
The “Safe Streets for All” project will remove the trees, some of them centuries old, widen the road surfaces and add rumble strips.
Resident Brad Sadowski of Schoolcraft says they were told by the road commission they would jeopardize their federal funding if they changed the plan in any way, but he says federal transportation officials refuted that claim.
Opponents insist removing the trees will make the roads less safe, particularly during winter months.
The homeowners say they are starting a petition drive and plan to take their complaints to state and federal agencies too.
They want the road commission to find other ways to spend that money to make the streets safer for drivers and the trees.
I am so happy that the neighbors have come out to share their opinions about this robust tree removal program. The most surprising thing to me was that a survey went out in 2023 and those in attendance do not remember seeing the survey nor completing the survey. Community involvement makes a difference let’s see where this goes.