CLAWSON, Mich. – Residents of a Clawson neighborhood were blindsided when they learned nearly every mature tree on their block had been marked for removal — all as part of a larger city infrastructure project.
The City of Clawson has contracted with Mark Anthony Contracting, Inc., to replace water mains and reconstruct pavement on four streets: Dreon Drive, School Street, Langley Boulevard and N. Stephen Avenue.
The project began the week of Sept. 21, 2026, and is expected to be completed by early summer 2027.
The work is broken into two phases. Phase 1, which includes tree removals and water main replacement, is scheduled to be completed during the 2026 construction season. Phase 2, covering pavement reconstruction, is set to begin in spring 2027 once frost laws are lifted.
Steve Elliott said he learned about the removal of his tree — and 72 others in the neighborhood — through a letter from the city last week. With cuts slated to begin immediately, he wasted no time making his concerns known.
“There are ways of doing this project, which is necessary without removing all of these mature trees. It’s going to take a generation for these trees to grow back,” Elliott said.
Elliott said the loss goes far beyond aesthetics.
“It improves the look of the neighborhood. It provides shade. It gives us wildlife. And yeah, just to save a few dollars for a better option that we could preserve most of our trees,” Elliott said.
Mayor unaware of full extent of removals
Elliott took his concerns to Mayor Susan Moffitt, who said she, too, was caught off guard by the scale of the plan.
“I don’t think any of us had an understanding of the extent to which trees were going to be removed,” Moffitt said.
The mayor said she acted quickly after learning of the situation.
“I did just talk to the city manager and he is working on putting a stay on the tree removal until at least after Wednesday’s meeting,” Moffitt said.
Every home on Dreon Drive is set to receive a new connection to the water line as part of the project. The scope of work also includes installing new fire hydrants and valves, with new water services running from the shut-off box to the new water main. City officials say the trees could interfere with that work, but Moffitt said she hopes Wednesday’s meeting will open the door to alternatives.
The mayor added she would like to know more about other options and the costs involved in completing the work in a way that saves at least some of the trees.
Residents encouraged to attend Wednesday meeting
The city will hold a Project Information Meeting at Clawson City Hall’s Community Room on Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026, from 6-8 p.m. Residents are encouraged to attend, learn about the project, and ask questions.
Residents with disabilities or special needs can contact Steve McKinnon or Michael Smith at (586) 726-1234 for assistance during construction.
