September 13th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

After close review, the City of Cumberland has decided to remove all 7 sycamore trees along the North Sidewalk of the roadway in the 600 Block of Fayette Street.

The City maintains a 4 ft. x 4 ft. storm conduit which nearly half of the trees were planted above.  The storm conduit is critical for the west side storm system.  The roots of the trees have entered the storm conduit.  The weight of the trees and the growth of the roots are placing unnecessary pressure on the conduit.  The tree roots have buckled the sidewalk, as well as grown over the curb of the street. 

The City of Cumberland Street Department will remove the sidewalk slabs for stump grinding September 15– September 16, 2022.

Kiddy’s Contracting, LLC will remove the 7 sycamore trees and grind the stumps September 19 – September 23, 2022 (weather permitting). 

The City of Cumberland’s Arborist will replant new trees once the sidewalk and street repairs are completed in this area.   Those trees will be approximately 2” caliber and 10 ft. – 14 ft. in height. 

The sidewalk and the road will be closed at times during this work.  Traffic control devices will be in place to detour vehicles around the work.  Residents are advised to avoid the area as much as possible during this time to allow for the work to be completed safely and successfully.