In a recent Gazette article regarding development of the former Tasty Top site on Route 10, Complete Streets, a state governmental funding program was mentioned.
Easthampton citizens, I encourage you to do your homework, contact city officials, and be involved before design plans are set. Don’t get me wrong, Complete Streets is a great program. It’s purpose is to “provide safe and accessible options for all travel modes — walking, biking, transit, and vehicles — for people of all ages and abilities.”
The major shortcoming of Complete Streets is that green infrastructure, particularly space for trees and their required soil volumes, is not mentioned, encouraged or required. Yes, we want to get folks out of their cars to bike and walk in a safe manner. However, as climate change continues to increase our summer temperatures we need the shade, cooling effects, carbon sequestration, and traffic calming that mature, urban trees provide.
Incorporating space for large shade trees will fulfill the goals of Complete Streets by encouraging folks to use the sidewalks and bike lanes all year round. Several Complete Streets projects have been completed in neighboring Northampton with more sidewalks and bike lanes without allowing for enough tree belt planting area to sustain large shade trees.
In a recent United States Department of Agriculture study it was determined that most urban trees live an average of 19 years! Given the proper amount of rooting space, water and overhead space, appropriately chosen urban tree species could live over 100 years providing their many life-giving services for you and our planet.
Please join me and Dr. Suess’s Lorax by saying: “I speak for the trees for trees have no tongues.” Complete Streets information manual can be found at: mass.gov/doc/complete-streets-funding-program-guidance/download.
Jen Werner
Easthampton