City of Aberdeen Parks Director Stacie Barnum delivered a presentation at last Wednesday’s regular City Council meeting at Grays Harbor College detailing a sidewalk improvement and tree replacement project scheduled to take place along three blocks of Market Street between L and I streets.

Before unsafe sidewalks can be removed and replaced, 21 overgrown trees with root systems that have damaged infrastructure will need to be removed. The plan is to replace all three blocks with new sidewalks and plant new trees that are appropriate for urban settings.

The project will also give the Public Works Department the opportunity to address any utilities and drainage concerns damaged by the existing root systems and provide safe and accessible pedestrian paths.

The 21 trees to be removed are sweetgum trees that have an aggressive root system. New trees under consideration are crabapple, hawthorn and black tupelo.