City Commission Approves Tree Removals

stjoecityhall1-27
stjoecityhall1-27

61 trees will be removed around St. Joseph to make way for some infrastructure projects set for next year. Speaking to the St. Joseph City Commission on Monday, Public Works Director Greg Grothous said the trees are along Willa Drive, Donna Drive, and Lester Avenue.

“Many of the trees on Willa and Lester need to be removed in order to install a new storm water system, the placement of a new water main, as well as the trees have substantially outgrown the green space, leading to poor health,” Grothous said.

Grothous said some of the trees have roots coming up through sidewalks. The city commission approved a $68,000 contract with a Grand Rapids firm to conduct the tree removals starting next month and to be finished by next spring. Grothous did say there is a plan to replace many of the trees that are being removed.