Tensions remain high in an upscale Blaine neighborhood where felled trees lining a wetland have sparked three months of heated debate, resulting in the decision to let a new committee make replanting decisions.
Tempers again flared at a recent meeting on what to do about the controversial January clear cutting, which came near dozens of homes. City staffers brought forward ideas for replanting, triggering several heated exchanges between residents, city officials and members of the Natural Resources Conservation Board.
Staffers pitched landscaping options around a planned maintenance access point, but neighbors made clear that they wanted the access point moved. One man yelled, "Get it out of our neighborhood!"
Residents also said they want more extensive replanting, especially as a buffer behind the homes.
City officials say removing the trees was part of restoration work in an area known as the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary, a 500-acre site considered a key piece of the city's open space management plan. The site is west of Lexington Avenue and north of 109th Avenue.
Neighbors have been critical of the city's communication about the restoration work and have expressed concerns about how the cutting will affect their privacy and home values.
City Council Members Dave Clark and Julie Jeppson proposed the committee to make decisions on replanting. They said it would include two Natural Resources Conservation Board members, two City Council members, the mayor and six residents from the impacted area.
The hope is to begin meeting in the next month, Jeppson said.
