Four Western Joshua Trees are scheduled to be destroyed as part of Yucca Valley’s pedestrian improvement projects. The decision was made at last night’s (February 22) meeting of the Yucca Valley Planning Commission. Reporter Jef Harmatz joins us with a full breakdown of the meeting.
At last night’s regular meeting, the Commission approved the destruction of the Joshua Trees as part of the pedestrian improvement project on Little League Drive between Palm Ave and Sage Ave. The decision was made based on recommendations from arborists, who said that the trees were too old and too large to remove, though a fifth Joshua Tree on the site will be transplanted. Alternate development plans were considered, including relocating an intersection, but town staff said that there were no viable options. As part of a pedestrian improvement project along Onaga Trail, one Western Joshua Tree will be transplanted, and one dead Western Joshua Tree will be removed. The commission approved the encroachment of five Western Joshua Trees (at the 57000 block of Sunnyslope Drive, and the 7700, 7600, and 7500 blocks of Valley Vista) and the transplant of six Mojave Yuccas (at the 59000 block of Buena Vista Drive) at various locations around town. The commission approved a residential zoning variance in the 6700 block of Lindberg Ln which was complicated due to its proximity to the airport. The commission received updates on the town’s Housing Element and General Plan, and expressed optimism that a fifth commissioner would be appointed in March.
