The landscaping was required by the city as part of the development agreement
for the Palouse Empire Mall, of which the University Inn is considered part.
Both the mall and the motel are located on land owned by the University of
Idaho.
Last year, the University Inn removed two mature locusts near its main
marquee sign and replaced them with two tiny crabapple trees. Now, it wants
to remove two spruce trees and a birch tree near the intersection of Farm
Road and State Highway 8. The City's Tree Committee unanimously opposed
taking these trees out, and the motel has appealed to the council.
I encourage 2020 subscribers to take a look at these trees as you drive
past in the next two weeks. If you agree with me that the trees should
stay as a way of softening theimpact of the parking lot, I encourage you
to attend the council meeting on the 21st or to write a letter to the
mayor and council supporting the tree committee's decision.
Kenton