Residents are fighting back after city officials voted to remove the giant ficus trees that line the streets of Uptown Whittier.
The mature ficus trees were planted in the 1960s and provide a canopy of shade that some say defines the look and feel of the city district.
Historic Greenleaf Avenue is a walkable stretch and is home to a variety of small shops and local restaurants.
However, in December 2023, city officials voted to approve a $20 million redesign project that would revitalize a three-block stretch of the commercial district between Wardman Street and Hadley Street.
The renovation plan of the “Green Promenade” calls for the removal of the large ficus trees to be replaced with much smaller trees.
The move has sparked outrage from some residents who believe removing the trees will erase the district’s inherent charm and appeal.
“It’s devastating and it’s unnecessary,” said Conny McCormack, a Whittier resident.
McCormack and thousands of residents are fighting the decision and have signed a petition asking city leaders to save the trees. Many have appeared at city hearings to voice their grievances.
“What we’ve been saying to the council is that the renewal of Uptown is not mutually exclusive,” McCormack explained. “We want that and keep some of the trees in the canopy. This is very important for citizens.”
However, the city said the non-native trees are invasive and destroy infrastructure. As the large roots continue to grow outward over the years, it has created problems such as uprooting sidewalks and clogging sewer lines that are affecting local businesses.
“If we’re going to do any improvements up here, we have to do something about the tree roots, which means we have to do something about the trees,” explained Cathy Warner, Whittier Mayor Pro Tem.
Warner said the plan for the Greenleaf Boardwalk has been in motion since 2008, but had stalled during the pandemic. With the project approved now, the city will replace all ficus trees with a much smaller, non-invasive species.
“We will not only replace a tree with a tree, we will also replace it [planting] an even bigger number and we’re using bigger boxes and there’s extra regulation,” Warner said.
The revitalization plan aims to make the circuit more up-to-date, more pedestrian-friendly and accessible to visitors, while solving the underlying problems caused by the ficus trees.
The plan will also provide more space for restaurants to offer al fresco dining along the boardwalk, which some owners are happy about.
Ciro Brito, owner of La Sexy Michelada, said Uptown is in need of improvement, and while a year-long construction project may temporarily affect business, the end product will be beneficial in the long run.
“Having the patio outside and bringing in more people will definitely help our business,” Brio said.
Some business owners also believe the area needs major improvements since the district hasn’t seen a major renovation since the early 80s.
Ultimately, residents and tree advocates are hoping that city council members will compromise and agree to keep some of the ficus trees instead of clearing them entirely.
“Hold the tent, take some out, let others grow,” Warner said. “Otherwise, what a contrast between this block where we are standing and the other three. The rest of the city has these beautiful tall trees and then this new area looks like Orange County. It will seem so incongruous. It won’t match Whittier.”
Amid heated opposition, the city plans to address the issue at a June 18 “study session” that will review the tree boardwalk’s plans.
More information on the plans for the Greenleaf Promenade can be found here.
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