For years, residents and travelers entering Sylvania from U.S. 23 were greeted by dozens of mature trees and a nearby 10-foot tree-shaped metal sculpture welcoming people to a place whose motto is the “City of Trees.”
But now most of the trees have been reduced to piles of wood chips and two-foot stumps.
“This town has gone from a small, charming township and city to a parking lot with no personality,” Sylvania resident Amy Levine said.
So what happened?
The recent decimation of trees was part of a long-planned project by the state to widen and improve the interchange of the highway, Monroe Street, and Alexis Road.
“It looks unsightly, believe me, we hear about it,” Joe Shaw, project designer with the city of Sylvania, said. “But it certainly has a useful purpose come spring.”
The interchange ramp in the area involving Monroe Street and U.S. 23 has seen a lot of accidents in recent years, particularly on the sharp curves of the northbound and southbound exit ramps. The $28.8 million highway upgrade, which will begin in spring and be completed in 2026, will aim to reduce congestion and make the area safer for drivers.