Blaine city leaders plan to bring forward replanting proposals for a wetland area that was recently clear-cut, an act that provoked the ire of a nearby neighborhood.
In January, crews cleared out trees as part of restoration work in 192 acres of city land situated in a 500-acre area known as the Blaine Wetland Sanctuary. The site, west of Lexington Avenue and north of 109th Avenue, is a key part of the city's open space management plan.
A meeting is planned for 6:30 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 10801 Town Square Dr. NE., to update residents about the project as well as address neighborhood concerns raised at a gathering last month — including the possibility of replacing some of the felled trees.
City staffers presented a preliminary replanting option at a March 16 workshop. The concept drawing showed most of the trees or shrubs planted near a planned maintenance access point in the neighborhood.
Neighbors have said they are worried about the impact on privacy and safety, and want the access point moved elsewhere.
At the workshop, Public Services Manager Bob Therres said early estimates for landscaping near the access point put the cost at about $50,000. Doing additional replanting behind the houses on the edge of the wetland could cost an additional $50,000, he said.
Council Member Dave Clark said city officials should also consider the nature lovers and families who will one day visit the wetland santuary. "I don't want [visitors] to have to look at the subdivision," he said.
Hannah Covington
