In Astoria, four trees divide a sidewalk – and briefly, a neighborhood

Published Dec 31, 2023 at 12:06 p.m. ET

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Published Dec 31, 2023 at 12:06 p.m. ET

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If at first you don’t succeed, tree, tree again.

New York City’s Parks Department says it will remove four trees it planted in the middle of an Astoria sidewalk in response to backlash from local residents.

The trees along 29th Street, between 31st Avenue and Broadway, divided members of a neighborhood subreddit and Facebook group who posted hundreds of comments about the arboreal arrangement.

Some users posted theories that the trees were attempts to deter people from riding scooters and bikes on the sidewalk.

One resident proposed a lawsuit against the city, another said the trees would make it harder to navigate with a stroller.

“I’m all for trees, but this is stupid,” wrote user Apart-Bard-5446 on the r/Astoria subreddit.

Many questioned why the trees weren’t planted along the curb.

The Parks Department put the trees in on Dec. 26.

Parks spokesperson Meghan Lalor said underground utility lines prevented workers from digging tree pits and planting them curbside. But the agency is turning over a new leaf in response to the concerns, she said.

“While similar tree placements in other locations have been successful, we’ve heard from the community that we missed the mark with these four trees, and we will be relocating the trees to more appropriate locations,” Lalor said in a statement.

Lalor said underground utilities are one of the most common impediments to adding new street trees, but the agency still wants to make sure the trees grow in Astoria.

“We aim to plant trees at every viable location, making our city greener, cleaner, and cooler,” she said.

Still, others appreciated the boulevard feel.

“I think the trees in the middle of large sidewalks look great,” said reddit user ZA44.

The Parks Department planted nearly 15,000 street trees across the city last fiscal year, according to the most recent mayor’s management report.

In October, the City Council passed a measure to increase total tree coverage to 30% of the city by 2035 — up from 22%. The legislation has the backing of Mayor Eric Adams, who received new federal funding to plant and care for trees in September.

“I often say we have two mothers: the mother that gave birth to us and Mother Earth, the mother that sustains us,” Adams said in a September statement announcing the cash infusion. “Both deserve our care, attention, and investment.”

Still, budget cuts at the Parks Department could complicate the agency’s ability to meet the ambitious canopy goals.

Everyday New Yorkers have the power to request a tree on their block by calling 311 or filling a specific application on the city’s website.

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David is a reporter covering housing for Gothamist and WNYC. Got a tip? Email dbrand@nypublicradio.org or Signal 908-310-3960.

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