Just moving a planned building a total of 8 feet and removing a proposed parking space would save a giant Douglas fir over 50 inches in diameter.

This project says a lot about Seattle's current priorities. The developer is prioritizing a parking space over an ecologically crucial tree that filters water into Thornton Creek and provides habitat for Seattle's dwindling bird population (not to mention, provides enormous public health value to the future residents and neighbors).

However, the developer is just playing by the rules. Seattle's tree ordinance allows the removal of any trees for development, even giants like this one. Because the building application was submitted prior to the passage of Phase 1 of the Comprehensive Plan (and our winning Amendment 102, which requires trees of this size to be reviewed), it's approved for removal.

Through the passage of Amendment 102, City Council has acknowledged that tree removals of this size are not okay. We're asking the city to step up and save this tree, too.

A volunteer AIA architect has already proposed an alternate site design to save this tree. It's up to the developer to implement it.