WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – People who live on Market Street say they are disappointed to see the trees come down but have other concerns about the Market Street roadways.

On June 11, crews closed down parts of Market Street to start removing nearly 20 trees.

The road is closed down as crews work, however, some neighbors say they are worried about crews working on a tight road close to their homes.

“Market Street as everybody knows is a very dangerous street. Streets are supposed to be 11 feet wide, Market Street is nine feet wide per lane,” said neighbor Laura Trivett. “We’ve had multiple accidents. I actually had somebody drive up on my porch once,” she added.

Other neighbors say they are just sad to see the trees come down. Some of the trees are diseased and causing safety issues for people who drive, live, or walk through the area.

The city says they plan to plant new trees in place of the removed trees next winter.

“A little disappointed you know, a part of the reason we love Wilmington is for the old trees. Especially as you’re driving down Market, it’s really beautiful,” said neighbor Alex Vanek.

“It’s sad because it’s beautiful and adds character to the street, and everything about having natural things around is beautiful. At the same time, they’ve reached their life expectancy, they are going to start falling down whether it be a storm or something else and it can cause greater damage. It’s better to be proactive than to have greater catastrophe afterward,” said neighbor Mary Kay Campbell.

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