Tree: Why value sidewalks above sequoia?

The City of University Place is cutting down an ancient sequoia tree estimated at over 300 years old and replacing it with a sidewalk, curb and gutter. The tree is unfortunately in the way of “progress,” as the city defines it.

The tree is at the corner of 54th Street West and 83rd Avenue West and is in the way of one of UP’s overenthusiastic sidewalk building projects. The city takes great pride in its sidewalks and boasts about its number of feet.

Besides the damage and loss to homeowners’ yards, perhaps the city has gone too far now in destroying an irreplaceable tree that has blessed this once peaceful neighborhood.

Perhaps the natural beauty of UP is something that should be boasted about as well, and not just asphalt and concrete projects.

This story was originally published June 6, 2017 at 5:34 PM with the headline "Tree: Why value sidewalks above sequoia?."