Letter to the Editor: Update on 133 trees at risk on Dayton Ave N

To the Editor:

This is an update to the Shoreline community about the 133 tall conifer trees at risk, along Dayton Ave N, N 155th St, and N 160th St. We are currently in a waiting period for WSDOT to submit revised frontage plans and a new arborist report to the City specifically for the ROW 19-2371 permit. 

The most recent update on the City web link about the WSDOT Remodel Project is dated Feb. 4, 2020. Save Shoreline Trees has confirmed there have been conversations between WSDOT and the City planning department regarding various sidewalk options. We are hoping a variance for sidewalk exclusion will be considered for Dayton Ave N, and that the re-design plans will save the trees along N 160th and N 155th.

We have been assured by Caleb Miller, City of Shoreline Associate Planner, that the City will share the revised frontage design and the arborist report with the community prior to a final decision by the City. 

We have also been informed that there will not be another public comment period. The official public comment period ended December 27, 2019, meaning these were the comments shared with WSDOT. However, the City continues to include email comments and letters in the WSDOT ROW 19-2371 file as public comments, and as “parties of record”. The City has heard from hundreds of concerned citizens.

Save Shoreline Trees has two goals. One is to save the tall conifers surrounding the WSDOT project and the other is to connect with other Shoreline residents in neighborhoods which are going to be impacted in 2020 and 2021 by tree removals such as the recent clearing of 28 tall trees at the Kellogg Middle School renovation in Briarcrest.

Ultimately we are a group of like-minded residents who are speaking for the existing tall trees in Shoreline and are looking for others to join us!

Melody Fosmore, Chair
Save Shoreline Trees
A WA State Non-Profit Corporation