The activity in Arcadia’s Baldwin District largely centers around Baldwin Avenue, which is home to fantastic local restaurants with diverse cuisine, businesses and shops for all your needs, and mature Ficus trees that line the roadway. Baldwin Avenue will soon be receiving important upgrades to its roadways, traffic signals, and sidewalks, helping improve a key gateway into Arcadia. As part of the planned upgrades, the mature Ficus trees along Baldwin Avenue will need to be removed.

While these Ficus trees have brought valuable shade and presence to the Baldwin District for decades, a thorough evaluation by a Certified Arborist has revealed that their roots have become destructive to local infrastructure, as well as both public and private property. Over the years, root intrusion has necessitated frequent repairs or replacements of water and sewer lines, while root growth has led to uplifted sidewalks and curbs. In addition, many business owners in this area have expressed their ongoing concerns about roof and gutter maintenance, as well as staining and damage to sidewalks along storefronts. As a result of these ongoing issues, the City will need to remove 46 Ficus trees along Baldwin Avenue, which have been identified as safety concerns and are causing disruptions to the city’s infrastructure.

As evidenced by Arcadia’s designation as a Tree City USA, the City is committed to maintaining a robust urban tree canopy. However, it has become clear that retaining these trees is incompatible with the need to protect local businesses, and ensure safe streets, accessible sidewalks, and underground infrastructure in this area. In recognition of the value these trees bring to our community, Arcadia will replace them with new plantings.

The Baldwin Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project began on Monday, August 19, affecting Baldwin Avenue from Huntington Drive to Camino Real Avenue. The project will be carried out in two phases: the first from Naomi Avenue to Camino Real Avenue, and the second from Duarte Road to Huntington Drive. Tree removal began on Monday, September 16, 2024.

Baldwin Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project FAQ

The Ficus trees along Baldwin Avenue have caused significant damage to critical infrastructure, including sidewalks, sewer & water lines, curbs, and roadways. Their roots have caused sidewalks and curbs to uplift, frequent repairs to water and sewer lines, and cracking near storefronts have occurred. Additionally, business owners have experienced roof and gutter damage, as well as sidewalk staining from falling droppings from the trees.
Maintenance alone, including pruning, isn’t enough. Pruning often involves cutting roots, which can cause tree instability and increase the risk of failure, leading to fallen trees and greater damage.
Once the Ficus trees are removed, the City will plant new London Plane trees, a species better suited for urban environments and infrastructure. These trees can grow up to 3 feet per year and will reach maturity in the urban landscape within 20 years. Their leaves and bark act as natural filters, absorbing pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulates. This is especially crucial in metropolitan areas, where air pollution can significantly affect public health. Notably, they begin providing these benefits even before reaching full maturity.
The Baldwin Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project is funded by Proposition C, Measure M, and Measure R, from the City of Arcadia's Capital Improvement Program (CIP) funds.
The project began on August 19, 2024, and will be carried out in phases, starting with sections of Baldwin Avenue from Naomi Avenue to Camino Real Avenue, followed by Duarte Road to Huntington Drive. The anticipated completion date is February 2025. However, as with any construction project, delays are always a possibility.
The construction equipment and portable restrooms are only temporary and necessary for the completion of the project. If they are obstructing your access or causing significant inconvenience, please contact Public Works Services at (626) 254-2720. Additionally, please be sure to follow any posted signage and detours to help navigate around the construction area safely.
Before the project began, City engineers personally met with each business owner along Baldwin Avenue who would be affected by the construction. Signs were posted throughout the construction areas, and trees marked for removal were clearly identified. The City also provided detailed information on its website and social media channels. Additionally, a mailed notice was included in the City’s utility bills to inform residents and businesses. Project details were also featured in the local Arcadia publication, HeySocal.com (Arcadia Weekly).

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