Newspaper Article Archive of
West Seattle Herald

By Gwen Davis

It’s on everyone’s mind: “You’re going to cut down 3,000 trees?! That’s crazy!"

The Port of Seattle held an emotional commission meeting on Tuesday afternoon, at the airport’s Central Auditorium. The commission discussed several items related to the airport. However, the conversation and testimony regarding the near 3,000 tree-hacking project was the beef of the meeting.

The room was packed — around 40 citizens showed. In addition to the commission members, over a dozen Port of Seattle employees attended, who both stood throughout the meeting, and were seated, scattered throughout the general audience.

A number of public officials attended the meeting, including state rep. Tina Orwell.

“As a result of fairly extensive outreach to the public, we have incorporated feedback and will notify you about the changes,” said Ted Fick, commission member, at the beginning of the meeting.

Port commissioners then discussed a number of initiatives including new signs, light rail changes and walkway improvements.

The public testimony about the trees was arousing.

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