Corning residents say plaza palm trees need to stay

Julie R. Johnson, Corning Observer, Calif.
·2 min read

Apr. 3—The decision to cut down seven "historic" palm trees sitting on the east side of the Corning Recreation Plaza project city block may be reconsidered after several residents voiced support in leaving the trees where they stand.

"The decision is subject to change," said City Manager Brant Mesker as he listened to the outcry during the March 26 City Council meeting.

Corning resident Mike Silva said he is in favor of keeping the trees as a backdrop to the plaza.

"I'm speaking on behalf of family and friends in saying we want the trees to stay," he added.

The trees were described by residents speaking out at the meeting, as "iconic," "historic," and "part of the community."

It was decided during a city public meeting concerning final decisions on the plaza to remove the palm trees as a matter of maintenance and the association costs. Leaving the trees also inhibits the plaza plans on sidewalks along that corridor of the construction.

Those who addressed the city council about their concerns, said that while they understood those reasons for removing the trees, they were still in favor of letting them remain.

Mayor Robert Snow pointed out that several public meetings had been held in the decision-making process of plaza design and he wished more residents would have attended, including those voicing their opinions at the March 26 meeting.

Resident Ruth Myhre said she hopes the decision about the palm trees will be put back on the City Council agenda to gather more community input.

City Clerk Lisa Linnet said that a member of the city council will have to request the subject be placed on the agenda.

"So far, I haven't received that request," she added on April 1.

The final decision to remove the trees was made during a Jan. 10 public meeting; as was the decisions on color scheme, splash pad layout, rock-climbing wall and other components of the project.

Due to budget restraints the city council decided in October to reduce the Recreation Center's square footage, keeping a full basketball court and one large classroom, but removing the culinary kitchen and a number of smaller classrooms.

Even with that decision made, it will cost the city $11 million to construct the plaza it was awarded $8.5 million in grant funding to build.

City Recreation/Planning Director Chrissy Meeds said the increase in project costs is due to an increase in construction costs over the past two years.

The project is to be built on the city block between Solano and Marin streets and Third and Fourth streets, and includes the Recreation Center, splash pad, amphitheater, picnic tables, rock climbing wall, game tables and more.