The city of Ukiah will hold a public meeting next week for community members to give feedback about a potential improvement project downtown that could lead to the removal of Chinese pistache trees that turn vibrant shades of red and orange.
According to a news release sent by the city, the Dec. 11 meeting will be to discuss the School Street Multimodal Transportation Corridor Study, which began in December 2024 and is being funded by a Caltrans Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant.
The city’s statement reads, “Forum attendees will have an opportunity to participate in hands-on activities to help determine things like sidewalk width, parking, and traffic circulation. Discussion topics will include streetscape amenities like lighting, public art, furniture, and trees.”
The possibility of removing Chinese pistache trees in downtown was recently contested by Ukiah residents through a Change.org petition started by local Dennis O’Brien. It requests that the city does not interfere with the beloved trees that many believe are the heart and soul of downtown Ukiah. The petition had 2,938 signatures as of Wednesday morning.
According to the city of Ukiah, the transportation study aims to research and propose changes to the vehicular and pedestrian paths on School Street in downtown Ukiah from Clay Street to Henry Street. The goal of the study is to maintain the charm of School Street while also enhancing walkability and solving ongoing maintenance issues occurring in this section of downtown Ukiah.
There will also be a “walking audit” before the public meeting for community members to meet with engineers and ask questions about the study while walking along School Street to observe existing conditions.
The public forum will be held at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center at 200 S. School St. on Thursday, Dec. 11, from 5:30-7 p.m.
The walking audit will begin before the forum at 3:45 p.m. and will also start at the Ukiah Valley Conference Center. More information on the study and a link to access the forum virtually can be found online.