Title
Recommendation to Approve the Immediate Removal of 65 Trees of Various Species between 1-38” in Diameter and Planting of 101 New Trees in 24” Boxes for Construction of Clement Avenue / Tilden Way Improvements Project.
In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land). (Public Works C65300)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Jennifer Ott, City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Clement Avenue/Tilden Way Improvements Project (Project) includes constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Tilden Way/Blanding Avenue/Fernside Boulevard, safety improvements at the intersection of Tilden Way/Broadway, Clement Avenue extension from Broadway to Tilden Way, improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and an open space dog park. The project requires the removal of 59 trees to accommodate the physical improvements of the roundabout, roadway extension, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Additionally, the project is located at the former Union Pacific railroad right-of-way and requires removal of contaminated soil as part of the City’s Agreement with the California Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC). To perform the DTSC required soil remediation six (6) additional trees will need to be removed, for a total of 65 trees to be removed. The project will protect 91 existing trees within the project limits and plant 101 new trees.
Staff is requesting the City Council approve staff’s recommendation to approve the immediate removal of 65 trees, protection of 91 existing trees, and planting of 101 new trees for construction of the Project. All 65 trees have been posted for three weeks and, if approved by City Council, will be immediately removed to avoid construction delays.
BACKGROUND
Over the last 20 years, the City of Alameda (City) has been planning for and constructing the Cross Alameda Trail on former railroad right-of-way, spanning from Seaplane Lagoon at Alameda Point to the Miller-Sweeney/Fruitvale Bridge. Upon completion, the cross island, low-stress bicycle and pedestrian facility will provide a safe, comfortable and convenient facility for bicyclists and pedestrians across the City.
In 2021, after several years of real estate negotiations, City Council finalized the purchase of the Clement/Tilden property from Union Pacific via eminent domain for approximately $1.54 million. City Council also approved the Second Amendment of the Agreement for the project design consultant Kittelson & Associates, Inc. that included planning and community engagement for the Project in 2022.
In 2022, staff conducted extensive public outreach to solicit input on the design of the Project, including the Cross Alameda Trail, Clement Avenue extension, bicycle/pedestrian safety improvements, truck route and other opportunities. This work included two stakeholder meetings, an in-person Open House and a survey. Design input was also included from Alameda County staff, AC Transit, Alameda Housing Authority, BART Bicycle Task Force, San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC), Bike Walk Alameda, Bridgeside Shopping Center, Commission on Persons with Disabilities, City of Oakland staff, Downtown Area Business Association, Edison School families, Greer Mortuary, San Francisco Bay Trail, Recreation and Parks Commission, Unity Council in Oakland, and individual members of the public.
On September 8, 2022, after multiple public discussions of potential East End/Bay Farm Island dog park locations, the Recreation and Parks Commission voted to direct City staff to explore the Project site for a potential dog park location. In February 2023, the Recreation and Parks Commission endorsed the open space design in this concept, including a dog park.
In January 2023, the Transportation Commission unanimously endorsed the Project concept with an amendment to include future proofing with communications/conduit infrastructure. In March 2023, City Council approved the design concept for the Project and authorized funding for technical consultant services related to the project, and to proceed with engineering design to produce plans and specifications for construction.
In September 2023, the City entered into a Standard Voluntary Agreement with the Department of Toxic Substance Control (DTSC) to provide soil remediation oversite related to the Project located at the railroad right-of-way previously owned by Union Pacific. The City received final approval of the soil remediation plan from DTSC on September 9, 2025.
In July 2025, the City executed an agreement with Bay Cities Paving & Grading, Inc. for the construction of the Project.
On December 8, 2025, the City of Alameda Planning Board is considering approval of the staff recommendation to remove 65 trees, protect 91 existing trees, and plant 101 new trees for construction the Project.
DISCUSSION
The Project, located at the City’s existing right-of-way and former Union Pacific railroad right-of-way, includes constructing a roundabout at the intersection of Tilden Way/Blanding Avenue/Fernside Boulevard, safety improvements at the intersection of Tilden Way/Broadway, Clement Avenue extension from Broadway to Tilden Way, improved pedestrian and bicycle facilities, and an open space dog park.
The Project site has a total of 160 trees that were identified by an arborist by name, diameter, and health. In order to construct the Project improvements and perform soil remediation to the satisfaction of DTSC, 65 trees of various species between 1-38” in diameter, including four (4) coastal live oaks will need to be removed from the project site to accommodate the following improvements:
- Removal median islands for the roundabout at Tilden Way/Blanding Avenue/Fernside Avenue intersection
- Construction of Clement Avenue extension and adjacent sidewalks and cycle track
- Excavation and earthwork for the construction of new sidewalks and cycle tracks north of Tilden Way, between Broadway and Miller Sweeney Bridge
- Construction of pedestrian safety improvements at the Tilden Way/Fernside Avenue/Pearl Street intersection
- Removal of contaminated soils from the former Union Pacific right of way as required by DTSC
Efforts were made during the design phase of the Project to minimize tree removal, however the scope of the Project improvements and impacts to integrity of tree roots that can risk public safety led to a number of trees that cannot be preserved.
The City’s Tree Removal Policy (Section C. Tree Removal Associated with a Capital Improvement Project) requires any Capital Improvement Project that will remove more than 5% of trees in any given block face be reviewed by the Planning Board and approved by the City Council, and posted three weeks prior to removal of tree removal. Alameda has not had a Capital Improvement Project which removed a significant number of trees in more than a decade, and current staff was not familiar with this section of the Tree Removal Policy. Compliance with the policy was overlooked by staff during final design and staff is now requesting City Council approval to remove the trees and proceed with construction of the Project.
The Historical Advisory Board of the City issued a Certificate of Approval for the removal of one (1) Coast Live Oak Trees since the tree created a hazardous condition and is located within bicycle and pedestrian improvements for the Project. A request for removal of three (3) additional Coast Live Oak Trees was brought to the Historical Advisory Board on December 4, 2025.
A Certified Arborist identified each tree in the Project area by species, size, and location, and provides a list of trees to remove, relocate, or keep, as identified in Exhibit 1. The Project will replant 101 trees, including eight (8) coastal live oaks, on a tree planting list prepared by a Licensed Landscape Architect in Exhibit 2. All newly planted trees will be the larger 24” box tree specimens. During construction, staff will work with a Certified Arborist and Professional Biologist to determine if some trees selected for removal can be preserved if DTSC soil remediation goals are met. Tree protection zones will be established for trees to remain near areas of demolition, grading, excavation, and construction.
Consistent with the tree removal policy, the 65 trees proposed for removal have been posted to the City’s website and on each tree at least three weeks prior to the December 16, 2025 City Council meeting. Those notices included the dates of both the Planning Board and City Council public hearing dates.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve tree removal for the Project.
• Do not approve tree removal for the Project. Failure to approve tree removal may lead to construction delay claims, loss of grant funds, and not meeting the soil remediation requirements.
• Do not approve removal of coastal live oak trees (highlighted in Exhibit 1), which will remove access to Bridgeside Shopping Center and Bay Trail, and redesign the sidewalk and cycle track alignment north of Tilden Way, from Blanding Avenue to Miller Sweeney Bridge, which may result in the removal of additional 15 trees (that are not oak trees). This alternative would result in the removal of a total of 77 trees and may impact the construction schedule.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
There is no financial impact from with the approval of removing trees since the work is included in the construction agreement with Bay Cities Paving & Grading.
MUNICIPAL CODE/POLICY DOCUMENT CROSS REFERENCE
Alameda Municipal Code Chapter 23-3, Trees and Shrubbery vests the management of trees in the public right of way to the Public Works Director in accordance with the City’s Master Tree Program. The Master Street Tree Program was approved by City Council in 2010 with the tree removal section amended on December 20, 2011. The amended plan requires a Public Hearing at the Planning Commission for tree removals conducted as part of a Capital Improvement Project and subject to certain conditions, with a recommendation to City Council for final approval of the proposed tree removals.
Alameda Municipal Code Chapter 13-21.7.c requires a certificate of approval from the Historical Advisory Board for the removal of any Coast Live Oak greater than 10” in diameter.
The recommended improvements to Clement Avenue and Tilden Way are consistent with Alameda General Plan mobility goals, including: Equity, Safety, Choices, and Sustainability
The improvements are included in the City of Alameda 2023 Strategic Plan as Project # TIE14b (investment in transportation, infrastructure, economic opportunities, and historic resources), and are consistent with the Active Transportation Plan, which includes a separated bikeway along Clement Avenue and Tilden Way, and the 2030 Infrastructure Plan that include Project #3: Clement Avenue: Cross Alameda Trail Gap Closures.
This action is subject to the Levine Act.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
In accordance with CEQA, this action is categorically exempt from further environmental review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15304 (Minor Alterations to Land).
CLIMATE IMPACT
Since vehicle miles traveled is the largest source of greenhouse gas emission in Alameda, safety improvements in support of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit will have a positive climate impact
RECOMMENDATION
Approve the immediate removal of 65 trees of various species between 1-38” in diameter and planting of 101 new trees for construction of Clement Avenue / Tilden Way Improvements Project.
Respectfully submitted,
Erin Smith, Public Works Director
By,
Scott Wikstrom, City Engineer
Brendin Christolear, Supervising Civil Engineer
Ali Hatefi, Senior Engineer
Financial Impact section reviewed,
Ross McCarthy, Finance Director
Exhibits:
1. Tree Removal Plan
2. Tree Planting Plan