Letter to the Editor

Share your views

Submit letters to the editor via email to suburbanletters@tribpub.com. Please include your name and town of residence for publication. Please include phone number and email address for confirmation. Letters should be no more than 250 words.

Sidewalks will destroy Highland Park’s trees

I’ve lived on University Avenue in Highland Park for 40 years. Instead of destroying our neighborhood’s ecosystem, we should cherish what we have. Once HP destroys our trees, we can’t go back. We, the residents, not politicians, will live with these consequences forever.

Climate change demands careful decisions. Our mature trees cannot be easily replaced. Taking down one tree is bad enough. However, killing many more trees is catastrophic. Why are we even considering a sidewalk? We can all share the roads, which are the same size as most neighborhood streets in Highland Park, not narrower. We have done this for years.

Recent speed studies have confirmed there is no speeding issue on our street. The composition of traffic today is no different than the past, and we are fortunate now having safer cars with safety sensors. Those who are afraid should know there is no guarantee of safety, even if sidewalks are installed.

People using any thoroughfare must always be cautious. A good start is not using your iPhone when walking. The city can conduct classes to teach pedestrians and bicyclists about street safety, which makes more sense than destroying trees. We don’t need sidewalks to increase non-motorized transportation. By safely using our existing infrastructure, walkers, bikers and drivers can coexist.

Adding a sidewalk will not change people’s habits; it will only destroy a thriving and beautiful environment. We should preserve the 100-year-old history of the Highlands and keep our forested oasis.

Marla Portman, Highland Park