My fellow Cantabridgians, there seems to be a rift between those that are for the tree canopy and those for affordable housing.Those for trees have never said no to affordable housing.If they have, it was only to save trees and not to say no to housing. In our lifetime, trees have been cut down in our city, so much that our tree canopy is at an EMERGENCY LEVEL. At the same time, affordable housing is at an EMERGENCY LEVEL. We need BOTH , tree's and housing. How do we see the future for both? First, the Quad has already been affected by tree cutting. (Look at the Tree Task Force Report).Wheeler Street has been evaluated as 'poor' when it comes to trees.I, personally can vouch for that! Housing, not necessarily affordable housing has been at an increase in the Quad, except for part of the housing on Fawcett, Wheeler and more at 55 Wheeler, on blueprint. We must work together to save trees and to increase housing.How do we do that?
I propose we make it mandatory to plan housing around major tree canopy areas.Include trees in the design.My father designed Perkins School for the Blind, knowing trees were essential.
Can we work together to design for the future? Can we keep an existing arboretum in the middle of a buildings courtyard?Let us work together to save tree 's and increase housing with both goals .Work with architects and tree specialists! Instead of fighting, let us join our resources together to save our future, our trees and housing.The benefits will be felt for generations to come!
