About eight local residents gathered Friday morning to bring attention to a proposed Washtenaw County Road Commission project that is expected to impact many old oak trees on Werkner Road in Sylvan Township between Sibley Road and M-52.
The project includes milling and resurfacing Werkner Road and widening the shoulder, which would impact the trees.
Residents put up signs and taped some of the trees that are slated for removal to widen the road. They have also begun a petition.
Residents said their knowledge of the project began on Oct. 13, 2025 when a resident on Werkner Road noticed stakes in his yard. He was told that the road commission planned to widen the road by 12 feet so the city’s water lines needed to be moved.
Residents agree that the road needs to be repaved but question the need for widening the road and destroying the trees. And, they want the Road Commission to have better communication with the property owners in the area for their input.
The Road Commission plans a virtual meeting on Feb. 9 and an in-person meeting on Feb. 11 regarding the project.
