*Response to the "Providence" City Comment is below, 11/19/2024

As residents of the historic district of Providence, we've seen how mature trees give life and value to our streets and community.  These beautiful, historic trees offer not just shade and beauty, but are also part of our identity.  Disturbingly, without our input, sidewalks have been planned for our streets that will lead to the injury and destruction of these trees.  Multiple historic downtown streets are at risk of being negatively impacted by the proposed grant initiatives.  

While we recognize the importance of sidewalks, it is critical that these developments do not come at the expense of our historic landscape.  There are alternative solutions that would allow for these safe passages without the wholesale removal of our community's treasured trees.  

We're not opposed to change; we, however, believe in informed, inclusive planning.  As residents and taxpayers, we are stakeholders in this process and have a right to protect our investment, heritage and environment.  City council members must listen to our concerns and include input from us and the historic committee of Providence, prior to making decisions that have drastic impacts.  

Let's ensure that the charm of our neighborhoods- so reminiscent of a Thomas Kinkade painting- isn't erased for in some cases, sidewalks to nowhere.  Encourage the city council to engage in open dialogue, so we can collectively explore suitable alternatives that serve our needs while preserving these living landmarks.  

We implore you to join us in calling on the Providence City Council, Mayor and City Manager to halt construction of the proposed sidewalks until an inclusive public consultation process has taken place and alternative plans have been worked through.  Please sign and share this petition to reach as many Providence residents as possible.  

*This is a response to what "Providence" City said in the comments:  The citizens are not opposing a sidewalk, they are opposing the placement of the sidewalk.  The rule of placing sidewalks on the city's right of way works very well in new developments.  However, it works horribly in the historical area of downtown Providence.  You have the ability to make an exception but refuse to.  You have the ability to move the sidewalk and not harm the trees, but you refuse.  We disagree with the potential damage to these trees.  Why will you not release your own arborist report?  Because it agrees with ours stating that the trees are valuable in many ways and would be hurt or killed by putting the sidewalk in where you want to?

It is extremely difficult to successfully design and construct a new sidewalk nearby existing mature trees without a negative impact resulting in the death of the trees within 3-5 years. This is due to sidewalks and trees having competing needs. Mature, urban trees often have large root systems, with soil that is moist and loose that is pushed aside as they grow. Sidewalks need to be smooth (but not flat) on a soil that will not shift with a load.  The 100 East from 100 to 200 South featuring trees and sidewalk is not a model to draw from. It is important to provide enough space for the tree species you want to plant, otherwise the sidewalk will be pushed up and become uneven as the tree matures.