Tree fight brewing in Upper Kirby district

(8/31/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- When improvements are made to communities, trees are usually added, but one local environmental group says dozens and dozens will be removed from the Upper Kirby district to widen a street. The group says there's a better solution than ripping up trees along a stretch of Kirby Drive.

Like so much in Houston, the Upper Kirby area is in the midst of change. Some of that growth is coming with pain. Trees for Houston President John Cutler's upset about the Upper Kirby District's plan to widen the road. He worries it will mean the destruction of dozens, if not hundreds, of trees.

"The curb will be right here so all of these trees will be lost, cut down," he said, showing how wide the street will be.

"We really are convinced it will be a stellar project for the city," said Jamie Brewster, executive director for the Upper Kirby District.

Brewster says the current project to widen from Richmond to Westheimer will only affect 123 trees.

"We're replacing the trees that are there now, not with three caliper, which was the original size, but six to eight caliper," said Brewster.

Artist drawing depict how Kirby will look when the year-long project finishes. The six-lanes of traffic will be wider and a median will run down the center. The project will bring the curb in seven feet and also move the sidewalk much closer to the traffic.

However, the sidewalks will also be wider. Public reaction to the project has been mixed.

"Better in this area, which is needed," said one person we spoke with.

"Tearing down all the trees, it actually makes the area hotter," said another.

All of this will be done in conjunction with a drainage project that will start next January and wrap up next December.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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