Trees to “Leaf” Alhambra Elicits Undesired Outcomes

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AMY PATEL STAFF WRITTER
On Monday Sept. 25, the Alhambra City Council approved development of the building of the 126-unit complex known as the Camellia Court Building. This will lead to the removal of nearly 200 trees at the Scripps Kensington Retirement Community Center site, along with a 92-year-old church. There was an unanimous 3-0 vote, allowing the developer TAG-2 Medical Investments to advance forward with this project, as well as an unanimous vote for approval to remove the trees on September 18th. The plan was to pave way for condominiums, a smaller nursing facility, a medical office building and shops.
Developer Stephen St. Clair has given a public statement on a television news station that 81 of the trees will be preserved. In addition, 36 of crepe Myrtle trees will be saved. Because Alhambra was not in possession of ordinances protecting trees or preserving historic resources, the city had no initiative to mandate that the chapel or trees be saved.
“Trees are vital to our surroundings and provide an aesthetically pleasing image,” senior Viridiana Fernandez said. “However, the reasons for removal are unfair.”
Consequently, many residents voiced out their protests. Some have gathered in front of City Hall and held a mock circus, where they dressed as trees and circus performers. These were done in an attempt to halt the removal, but success has yet to be seen. Back in July, protest groups had already been on the rise. Signs were held high and residents marched through the streets. The head of one protest group, Melissa Michelson, has expressed her outrage over the city’s choices, and has given a statement that the developer’s tree reports was insufficient, as there was no information given about the size or age of the trees marked for removal. Protests are seen on popular social media as well, with numerous pages posted on Facebook in attempts to push back the decision.
“I think that’s a terrible move,” said junior Myree Co. “Those trees could’ve been around for so many years. There’s too many trees to be removed from one city. There is no real reason why that should’ve been approved.”
Despite the numerous protests and anger expressed towards Alhambra’s decision to remove the trees, it is uncertain to say the council will repeal their decision due to the unanimous 3-0 vote.