Whittier’s Controversial Decision: Razing 83 Ficus Trees for Redevelopment – A Community Divided

Whittier, a city in Los Angeles County, is set to move forward with the controversial decision to remove 83 ficus trees as part of a $20-million redevelopment project in Uptown Whittier. Despite months of public outcry and opposition to the plan, City Council members voted 3 to 1 in favor of the project, known as the Greenleaf Promenade.

The project aims to redesign the commercial center of Uptown Whittier to make it more pedestrian-friendly and attract economic activity to the area. However, many residents and business owners have expressed concerns about the removal of the towering ficus trees, which are known for their cooling canopy and majestic appearance.

The debate over the trees has divided the community, with some residents valuing the trees for their shade and environmental benefits, while others see them as a nuisance that causes sidewalk and plumbing issues. The decision to move forward with the tree removal has sparked protests, rallies, and a petition to save the trees.

During a recent City Council meeting that lasted four hours, tensions flared as audience members hurled insults at officials, and Mayor Pro Temp Cathy Warner had to order breaks to restore order. Despite the opposition, council members approved modifications to the project, including replacing the trees with larger ones and adding more umbrella structures for shade.

City officials have defended the project, citing potential health and safety issues posed by the trees and the need to revitalize Uptown Whittier. They have also committed to planting larger replacement trees wherever possible and adding more green space to the area.

The controversy over the ficus trees in Uptown Whittier is not unique, as other cities like Beverly Hills and Pasadena have also grappled with similar issues regarding ficus trees. In Beverly Hills, a judge ordered the city to stop clear-cutting ficus trees as part of a sidewalk renovation project, while Pasadena has planted ficus trees on Green Street despite community input on the matter.

Despite the decision to move forward with the tree removal, residents like Conny McCormack have vowed to continue fighting against the project, with some hinting at potential legal action. The fate of the ficus trees in Uptown Whittier remains a contentious issue that has deeply divided the community.