This week, the City of Monrovia began repairing the stretch of crumbling and lifted sidewalk on Colorado Boulevard in front of Monrovia High School (MHS).
To accomplish this work, the city will have to remove 20 camphor trees (a tree native to East Asia and considered an invasive tree species) on the north side of Colorado Boulevard. After much consideration, the city has decided to replace those trees with “more appropriate” parkway trees. This decision came after the city considered leaving the trees in place and pruning the roots but learning that the camphor tree root system is so invasive that root pruning efforts would result in the trees falling.
The city also considered moving the sidewalk away from the trees but given the city’s existing right-of-way options and the need to maintain ADA access, relocating the sidewalk was found to be not feasible.
Therefore, the city will abide by its current practice of coordinating a 2-for-1 tree replacement program. The city will replace the 20 camphor trees it is removing by replanting 40 new trees in Monrovia. Most of those trees will be replaced in front of MHS and any additional trees that don’t fit will be planted in other parts of the city.
By replacing all of the sidewalk, curb, and gutter, the city will be able to construct a wider and safer sidewalk that will allow for easier student drop-off and pick-up at MHS, according to city officials.
The city aims to complete a majority of the work prior to the start of the new school year and has coordinated the following construction schedule:
- Monday, July 29 – Wednesday, July 31: tree removal efforts will be engaged.
- Tuesday, July 30 – Monday, Aug. 5: concrete cutting and sidewalk/curb removal will take place.
- Monday, Aug. 5 – Friday, Aug. 9: tree removal and sidewalk/curb replacement will be completed, prior to the start of the new school year.
- By Friday, Aug. 30: landscape improvements are tentatively scheduled for completion
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Public Works Department at (626) 932-5575.
