By Michael P. Walsh
Special to the Voice
The city is renovating 60 tree pits along Campbell Avenue to prevent trip hazards and protect street trees.
City sidewalk inspector Ernie Chiarelli and tree warden Leo Kelly are coordinating the removal of brick pavers and debris in the tree pits from Captain Thomas Boulevard to Brown Street to make way for the installation of Flexi-Pave, a porous pavement made with shredded car tires and a urethane bonding agent.
The recycled product is the definition of environmentally friendly, according to its manufacturer, K.B. Industries of Clearwater, Florida.
Kelly said the porous pavement material has been proven to clean rainwater as it passes through.
He applauded the treescape project, saying that safeguarding city trees on lower Campbell Avenue has been an arduous task.
For several years, rainwater has been washing mulch and topsoil out of the tree pits into the street gutter, according to Kelly, and the brick pavers have been restricting tree growth.
He said the flexible pavement product allows air and rainwater to pass into soil to keep street trees healthy while providing a low-maintenance solution to weed and unplanned vegetation growth and removal.
“Tree health and a safe, stable surface for pedestrians are of the utmost importance,” Kelly said.
The work is being done by Tri State Flexi Pave Inc. of Danbury and funded with a state Local Capital Improvement Program grant.
Chiarelli said he expects to complete the project, which began last week, by the end of the month. Residents should note the “No Parking” signs in the work areas.
Anyone with questions about the project can call the Department of Public Works at (203) 937-3585.