By Ava West
Several trees on the Grand Rapids Community College Main Campus have been scheduled for removal in the coming days.
On July 8 John Globoker, Vice President for Finance and Administration for GRCC, sent out an email stating that a tree canopy on campus would be cut down as part of the Learning Resource Center renovation.
According to the email, “The primary drivers for this tree removal are directly tied to the fundamental goals of the LRC renovation project: improving accessibility and enhancing the overall student experience.”
This construction project entails cutting down 12 trees. The trees cut down include, five maples on the east side, five locust trees along Ransom Street, an 8-inch ornamental and a 15-inch maple on the west side.
The GRCC Finance and Administration did state that they “recognize the value of our tree canopy. As part of this project, we are committed to re-introducing numerous trees to compensate for the lost canopy and to re-establish a well-shaded, comfortable, and welcoming space for all. Grand Rapids Community College adheres to the city’s requirement of planting two trees for every one removed, a practice we follow diligently.”
Although the current tree canopy will be missed, GRCC students and faculty can look forward to a new, fuller canopy.
The email ended by stating that, “We are confident that the long-term benefits of a more accessible, functional, and aesthetically pleasing LRC will serve our community well.”
As of Friday July 11 the trees have yet to be cut down.
