Over the weekend, someone cut down trees on the former Seattle City Light lot on the northwest corner of SW 144th and Ambaum Blvd. SW (map below).
This lot was home to at least one endangered, historic Akebono Cherry Tree, likely planted sometime between 1948-1950, about the time a City Light substation that stood there was built. Many of the beautiful, blooming cherry trees that line walkways in Washington, D.C. are Akebono, most of which were planted in 1912.
The main cherry tree looked damaged, but we have not fully confirmed that yet. Branches on other trees appeared to be broken.
As we previously reported, this corner lot was put up for sale in May, 2016 after a grassroots effort and petition was made to save it and its historic cherry trees. According to the King County Department of Assessments, the 6,551 square foot vacant lot at 1006 SW 144th Street is now owned by Javier and Claudia Delgado. Its 2023 appraised value is $167,000.
City of Burien staff are aware of the tree removal and have confirmed that the work was not permitted.
“At this time, staff are continuing to work toward addressing the situation,” said Devin Chicras, Interim Communications and Public Engagement Manager.
I’m shaking my head in sadness and disbelief…
The trees were cut on Sunday afternoon. about 3:00 when we drove by and noticed 2 men cutting them.
Saw them cutting on Sunday around 4:30.
This is the second time that I’ve seen something like this happen. On the Miller Creek trail back in November, I saw several smaller trees that had been hacked down by obvious human hands (you can tell the difference between that and when beavers do it). The trees weren’t even used for firewood. I hope that this doesn’t become a trend.
The sight of the beautiful pine trees that were cut used to brighten my day each time I went by. Although I did suspect they were doomed considering the potential commercial real estate value of the lot and the dismal development style that rules on Ambaum Blvd