SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - Carmel Mission Park in Carmel Valley is set for a facelift later this year.
The Carmel Valley Mission board approved an SDG&E plan to cut down 35 trees in the park. The original plan, proposed last year, was to cut down 74 trees that posed a risk to power lines in the park.
There was a strong backlash from the community, and thousands signed a petition to save the trees. SDG&E’s arborist set up a meeting with an arborist hired by community members. They evaluated all the 74 trees that were going to be cut down and agreed on cutting down 35 of the trees but leaving 39 standing.
The 39 trees left standing will have their tops trimmed to a safer level.
Seventy trees will also plant 70 trees in the park- two trees to replace every one cut down.
The city and the community will be in charge of deciding what types of trees.
"I’m satisfied that they were willing to compromise. I'm satisfied that we came to a comprise and were able to save some of the trees," Tara Mackey said. She was one of the residents that spearheaded the effort to save the trees.
SDG&E says they will they will start cutting down the 35 trees around late October or early November.
SDG&E released the following statement to 10News:
“We appreciate the opportunity to reach an agreeable compromise with the City, the Planning Board and community members that protects public safety and also maintains the reliable energy service our customers deserve.”
