BOSTON – On Friday, May 9th at 10am in the Iannella Chamber, Councilor Flynn held an in-person hearing to discuss expanding the urban tree canopy in District 2. Residents across the city have often called attention to the loss of trees in their community, or advocated for more tree plantings in their neighborhoods – especially in neighborhoods with low tree coverage, such as Chinatown, Downtown, and South Boston.

At the hearing, Councilor Flynn and the panelists discussed the glaring need to expand coverage to ensure that every neighborhood in District 2 has a healthy tree canopy. In Chinatown, Councilor Flynn advocated for trees along Beach Street, Harrison Avenue, Kneeland Street, and Oxford Street.  Councilor Flynn advocated for the need to bring more green space into Chinatown specifically, as residents of Chinatown have the highest level of asthma in Massachusetts, as well as their close proximity to I-93.

From the advocacy panel, David Meshoulam and Speak for the Trees have developed a relationship with Boston Public Schools, now that they have outdoor learning programs. Speak for the Trees has implemented programs, including the TreeKeepers program and the Teen Urban Tree Corps, to support expansion in urban environments and promote youth engagement. From the administrative panel, the Boston Parks Department highlighted the following updates in District 2 – 196 trees were planted in 2023, 276 trees in 2024, 162 trees are currently scheduled to be planted in Spring 2025, and locations are already beginning to be planned for the Fall. He also noted that when residents and neighborhood groups engage with the Parks Department, the city will help direct resources to where trees are most desired.

Residents and community leaders offered in-person and virtual testimony in support of expanding urban tree canopy in District 2. Donna Brown of the South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation (SBNDC) highlighted the needs of South Boston, as the neighborhood has the second lowest tree canopy in the city. She also noted the need to preserve the trees on East Broadway that have a great environmental benefit, as well as the loss of two different century old trees in the last 18 months. A representative from Tufts Medical Center noted that in a study, sites that have the highest level of air pollution are those next to major highways and congested intersections. Trees in these areas were only supported by small trees and shrubs. Ultimately, the ways in which these trees were constructed did not allow them to serve as proper air pollution barriers for highways and busy intersections. It is critical to address both expanding the tree canopy in Chinatown, as well as addressing the poor air quality and pollution that was rated the worst in the state by the Union of Concerned Scientists in 2019.

“It is critically important that the City of Boston make a concerted effort to expand our urban tree canopy in District 2 neighborhoods that have low coverage- like Chinatown and South Boston- and help us combat hotter summers and heat island effect,” said Councilor Flynn. “From improving our air quality, providing shade, and helping absorb stormwater runoff – neighbors across the city continue to call attention to the substantial benefits trees provide to our communities. Having a healthy urban tree canopy is vital to our environment, our mental health, and quality of life.”

For more information, please contact Councilor Flynn’s office at 617-635-3203 or [email protected].