DEARBORN, Mich. – A planned infrastructure project in Dearborn has some residents concerned it could lead to the removal of more than 60 mature oak trees along Elmdale Street.
Residents say the trees are more than just part of the neighborhood’s landscape.
“These trees are between 100 and 200 years old, and each one of them has a really intense environmental impact when it comes to helping to cool the area, climate change control, how much water they can absorb,” said resident Windy Weber.
Walking through Edison Park, Weber pointed to the tree canopy and said it is one of the reasons people choose to live in the neighborhood.
“There’s a lot of people in these homes that moved here specifically because of this green space in this park,” Weber said.
For longtime residents, the trees are also tied to family memories.
Gail Welmers said the trees have been part of her son’s childhood.
“When my son was little, he’d be over there. They would play games in between the trees — him and his buddies,” Welmers said.
The city said the project is focused on separating the storm sewer system from the sanitary sewer line, a change required by state and federal regulators.
A city spokesperson also said the separation is a critical step toward preventing flooding.
But Welmers questioned why changes are needed in the area and said she hopes the city will consider alternatives.
“To me, there’s got to be another avenue, another way that this can be done. We don’t have a flooding problem in this area. That’s why I think it’s confusing to a lot of us,” she said.
The city said the project is still in its early planning stages, and it is too soon to determine exactly which trees or other areas could be impacted.
Residents say they want to make sure preserving the mature oak trees remains a priority as the plans move forward.
Weber helped organize a meeting with city officials for late Tuesday afternoon, where neighbors gathered to learn more about the project and discuss their concerns.
Local 4 spoke with residents ahead of the meeting.