Naito Parkway street trees cut down Thursday

Two large trees on Multnomah County right-of-way were removed last week at the corner of Southwest Stark Street and Naito Parkway.

“They were in decline but the main reason they were coming out was the sidewalk damage,” said Jim Field, the inspector for Portland’s Urban Forestry. “It came time to get them out of there.”

Naito Parkway, of course, is named after the iconic Portland businessman and philanthropist who founded the Urban Forestry Commission and whose name is also attached to Portland Urban Forestry’s highest honor: The Bill Naito Community Trees Award.

The concrete lifts created by the tree roots and the overall width of the sidewalk, as seen on Google maps, were not in compliance with the American Disabilities Act, said Field.

Across the street from the Bureau of Land Management building and directly attached to a west-bound Morrison Bridge off-ramp, Field said the site will be replanted.

“I’d definitely like to see them put something pyramidal or upright,” said Field, specifically mentioning a Crimson Spire Oak or a linden.

What would you like to see planted in that spot?

–Toshio Suzuki