A sidewalk improvement project on Robertson Boulevard is expected to conclude next month. (photo by Joey Waldinger)

Crews cut down trees on Robertson Boulevard between Wilshire Boulevard and Charleville Boulevard on Feb. 8 as part of a sidewalk improvement project that has drawn criticism from some residents.

As one of the city’s major commercial corridors, Robertson Boulevard’s sidewalk is frequently in need of repairs due to the adjacent trees, Beverly Hills Public Information Manager Lauren Santillana said.

“The [improvement project] will address existing and future sidewalk issues by replacing the existing sidewalk, inspecting and removing any trees deemed necessary by the city arborist, installing lighting and outlets for holiday In July 2022, the city delivered notices to nearby businesses stating work was scheduled to begin in the fall. A contract was awarded to Environmental Construction, Inc., in Dec. 2022. The project began in late January and is expected to conclude in mid-March.

During public comment at the Feb. 7 City Council study session, resident Wendy Klenk, who works on Robertson Boulevard, called the tree removal “devastating.”

“These are healthy trees that have been here almost 100 years, and they’re part of the fabric of this community,” Klenk said. “They have such value, they’re such an asset to the city.”

Mayor Lili Bosse said on Feb. 7 that the council will discuss the project at a later meeting to offer information.

“We’re going to make sure that there’s further conversation with you and others in terms of the process, and exactly what’s going on,” Bosse said. “I want you to understand what is happening, why it’s happening, and we can have a conversation.”