By Leann Schenke

DOVER — If trees “must come to stand at the heart of human politics,” as Richard Powers put it in his novel “The Overstory,” then the Dover City Council did just that when they voted Tuesday to delay a tree removal project on North Bradford Street.

Councilwoman Tricia Arndt, who represents the Third District, made the motion to return the tree removal project “back to staff for recommendations on public engagement and design improvements in line with the South Bradford project,” she said.

This comes after both Councilwoman Arndt and Councilman Fred Neil, who also represents the Third District, said they received comments from their constituents about the possibility of removing 75 established trees on North Bradford Street.

Councilwoman Arndt said residents made comments that they were “unaware” the tree removal project might be happening. She suggested the city conduct informational workshops similar to those conducted by the Delaware Department of Transportation prior to a streetscape project on South Bradford Street.

“I just wanted to point out that the South Bradford Project with the streetscape was really well received and really set the standard for public outreach,” Councilperson Arndt said.

She offered solutions like door-to-door interactions and a workshop at the Dover Public Library so residents whose trees might be affected would be aware and able to offer input.

“It was a very positive process,” Councilperson Arndt said. “What I would like to suggest is that a similar process be conducted for the North Bradford residents. That would alleviate, I think, their concerns about the tree removal. If they had more of a hand in the process and were aware of what was coming.”

The tree removal project on North Bradford Street is the final phase of a fiscal year 2020 Street and Alley Program that replaced cracked and damaged curbs, sidewalks and drainage inlets as well as asphalt resurfacing.

More than half a mile of asphalt road and concrete sidewalk from Walker Road to just south of Mary Street, adjacent to Wesley College, has been damaged by mature tree roots.

The council had the option to award a contract to Asplundh Tree Experts for the amount of $122,015.80 to remove 75 trees. The trees were identified by a third-party certified arborist, the action form from the meeting reads.

Various options were evaluated, the form states, to determine how to best address the trees such leaving them in place or working around them. However, it was determined the typical sequence of construction is the “best way to proceed although it may not be aesthetically pleasing,” the form states.

Removing the trees also would put the street into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and ensure that street parking remains available. The form states their removal would ensure there are no “public safety and liability issues associated with making the trees structurally unstable” if roots were damaged during the project.

Saying he understands why the trees need to be removed due to the structural issues they are causing the road and sidewalk, Mayor Robin Christiansen noted Dover has been recognized as an American Tree City for more than 30 years.

“For 31 years, the city of Dover has been recognized for its ability to save its trees, nurture its trees and also be sure to replace the number of trees that we are taking out,” Mayor Christiansen said. “I would hope that in the spirit of us remaining as tree friendly here in Dover that we take a second look, a quick look, and save as many of those mature trees as we can while making the necessary improvements.”

Councilman Ralph Taylor Jr. asked for more specifics of the plan including what species of new trees will be planted and how will the city ensure new trees do not further impact roads or sidewalks.

Sharon Duca, director of Public Works, said city staff have identified six species due to the space they take up when mature. She said new trees would be planted with root deflectors to encourage growth below the pavement and concrete. The public would be given the option to weigh in on their choice of trees.

While the North Bradford Street tree removal project was put on hold, the council did approve awarding a bid to Grassbuster’s Landscaping at the amount of $713,294 for the FY 2021 Street, Concrete and Alley Program.

The total length of scheduled repaving is about 1.30 miles of various roads in the city.

Per a motion made by Council President Roy Sudler, the city also will repave Conwell Street after he raised concerns that the road’s condition hinders police and emergency vehicles.

Councilman At-Large Andre Boggerty also questioned the city’s process for seeking requests for proposals. He asked if the city took minority, women-owned and local companies under consideration.

Ms. Duca said she will ensure requests for proposal are sent to women-owned and minority-owned companies. In the case of FY 2021 Streets, Concrete and Alley Program, she said a local company submitted a bid that was significantly higher than Grassbuster’s.

“(Grassbuster’s) actually did our 2019 street program,” Ms. Duca said. “So, they are qualified to do concrete and asphalt work.”