The trees along 12^th Avenue on the west side between Cherry and Columbia Streets sustained damage during the snow storm in December and are being removed on March 17 by Bartlett Trees on behalf of Seattle University.  This is being done at the recommendation of the City Arborist, Tim Griffith, who has asked SU not to replace them at this time. He thinks there is plenty of tree canopy in the planting bed across the sidewalk to negate the loss of the oaks, and also felt it would make this portion of the 12th Avenue sidewalk less of a tunnel, improving the safety of the corridor.  If anyone has questions regarding the removal of the oaks he would be happy to have the calls directed to him at the city arborist office at  (206) 684-7997. In the future, if SU decided they wanted street trees in this area, the City may pick a tree more suitable for the strip such as the maples that are along 12th near the Lee Center for the Arts at Marion St. or another tree of similar form. The Seattle University Grounds Department will plant appropriate landscape material in that area later in the spring.  Questions regarding the SU landscaping plans can be directed to Patty Wright or DC Clausen at 296-6440.