The tree sits right where the city plans a sewer facility, as part of the new Bridge District project. And it’s not just any tree – it’s more than 20 feet around the trunk and its branches span beyond 100 feet wide. A group of conservationists sued to prevent the city from cutting it down. Their lawyer, Herman Franck, says the settlement makes the best of a bad situation.
Franck: “It’s very sad to give up the beautiful tree involved, but I guess the good news is, we’re getting 45 new trees that will be placed in visible public areas.”
The Bridge District has been decades in planning. West Sacramento officials have worried that delays could jeopardize 23 million dollars in state funding – and with it, the entire project. City Manager Toby Ross:
Ross: “It is a very tight schedule, but work has already commenced on the underground activities. So we think having removed this barrier, we’re very confident that we can maintain the schedule.”
The Bridge District would include housing, retail, entertainment and office space along the Sacramento River. A ceremonial groundbreaking will come in the next few months.