VILLA PARK
It’s back to the drawing board for the city engineer regarding the fate of a 90-year-old eucalyptus tree along Mesa Drive. The tree’s roots have caused buckling along a portion of the south side of the residential street, creating a potential safety hazard. A few months ago, City Council members voted to chop the tree down, but then reversed themselves and opted to study moving traffic away from the tree by restriping the residential street. That plan, however, would have sacrificed parking on the street’s north side, which some neighbors are now objecting to.
“We’re all for saving the tree,” Mesa Drive resident Kathleen Savala said, “but not at the expense of parking.”
According to Councilman Robert E. McGowan, the city is now considering redrawing the center line while preserving both the tree and the parking spaces as well as erecting a deflective barrier at the tree’s base. The issue will be discussed at the next City Council meeting, at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 24 in council chambers, 17855 Santiago Blvd.
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