With a sidewalk improvement project expected to begin in the 200 block of Roanoke Avenue in May, one of the issues that must be settled are the trees.

Tonight the city’s Beautification Committee met with members of the Roanoke Avenue Business Alliance. While both groups have ideas on what trees should be planted or what trees should remain, they each agreed experts should be called in to answer questions that could not be addressed at tonight’s meeting.

City Planning and Development Director Amanda Jarratt said since the project is not slated to start until May, there should be some lead time before a decision needs to be made on the trees. “We want to give you guys all the information you need.”

Since it appears the boards may deadlock, committee Chair Ruthie Gregory lobbying to keep the holly trees and RABA believing something different may be the best option, it is a decision that city council could have to decide.

“It would help us to have as much input as possible,” council member Suetta Scarbrough said.

An Eastern region urban forestry specialist for the state has said autumn blazes maple and the Japanese zelkova would fit well in the city’s revitalization efforts.

RABA would like to see the holly trees replaced, said Steve Dennis. “We want to see how we can assist businesses and residents in revitalizing the avenue in a timely and becoming manner. Our goal is to make the avenue a vibrant and lively place to enjoy and shop.”

The trees suggested by the state, he said, are more conducive to an urban environment and would offer shade in the summer while allowing more sun to come through in the winter.

Kapstone has agreed to pay for the new trees, Dennis said, adding while they have not been bought, they have been reserved.

Gregory said, however, she believes the holy trees are perfect for the avenue. “To say these trees are old and dying is false information.”

Gregory fears when conduit is placed during the sidewalk project there is a chance the root structure will be harmed and the trees will die. That’s why she would like to see a U-shape around the pits which hold the trees.

“We’re not saying the holly trees are bad trees,” Dennis said. “We’re not saying they have not served us well. I’m saying we wish you would be more open to other considerations. We’re not saying change the trees just to change the trees.”

Dennis said there are merchants who like the holly trees. “There are merchants who would be happy to cut them down and brick them over. Many people say they would like to see a different tree.”

While many merchants say the trees block their signs, Gregory said she believes most shoppers first look for places to park and then look for window signs and not the overhead ones. “Tarboro has really big trees. Hillsborough has really big trees. My thought is they look messy. Birds really get into those big trees.”