Augusta holding off removal of trees on Telfair Street to hear from community

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson toured Telfair Street to examine the trees slated for removal.

This project addresses decade-long flooding and brings sidewalks, bike lanes, and paved roads, but many were unhappy with some trees being cut down due to their history.

“We had an opportunity to learn a little bit more about what was going on, the timeline for the project,” said Jordan Johnson, Commissioner District 1. “And we were able to go to some of these that were slated for replacing, and these conversations about working around those trees were at the centerpiece of that conversation.”

The issue is that certain trees are tied into stormwater systems. But for now, they have halted the cutting and want to hear from the community because of the uproar and find a middle ground.

“We have a tree ordinance, and there is a purpose for that, and we need to understand the repercussions for our community if they’re gone. But I hope that the rest of the community will have their voice heard when it comes to Monday,” said Tonya Bonitatibus, Savannah Riverkeeper.

“Hear from neighbors and hear their concerns, but there is an opportunity for a happy medium to be reached, and we’re going to the table to figure out what that looks like,” said Johnson.

Johnson says they will make sure to keep communication with those in the area to keep them informed and also wants to remind them that this is to upgrade and not take away from the area.

“It’s going to look ugly for a little while. It’s going to be a little stressful as the progress is being made, but it’s going to get us to a better place,” said Johnson.

There will be a community meeting on Monday, June 22nd, at 6 p.m. at the Heritage Academy on Greene Street, where Johnson encourages the community to voice their feelings on this issue.