Residents are fighting to save hundreds of trees being cut down in Manhattan.
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 10:55PMThere is controversy in New York City over cutting down mature trees in Battery Park City. More than 400 trees are being cut down as part of a 'resilience project' to protect against flooding.
"It was so beautiful area. Omg look at it without the trees, without the trees," Kanika Devan said. Devan was talking about the trees that were cut down right outside her window in Battery Park South in the past two days.
"They've literally butchered the trees," another resident said. Felipe Serra noticed the change in scenery when he brought his child to school.
"Like there's no tree anymore. And they were very big with, like, nests for, birds. So everyone is very shocked with, the change that happened and how fast it happened," Serra said.
"It's like kind of upsetting that today is like Earth Day. So, like, they're cutting down trees on a day that you're supposed to, like, celebrate these trees," one kid said. The Battery Park City Authority said very few trees are viable for transplantation and most are being removed to make way for the Battery Park Resiliency Project, which is a massive project meant to protect the park from severe flooding.
The map and legend detailing which trees would be removed and which would be transplanted can make things confusing. In a statement today, BPCA said in part, "Tree removal is understandably difficult to see, but any suggestion that this work to reduce flood risk runs counter to the spirit of Earth Day fundamentally misunderstands what this project is about.
"Nonetheless, residents say they will seek an injunction to stop further tree removal. "Maybe there's a positive and there's maybe the silver lining is that it happened today and got everyone upset and maybe some movement will happen to stop this," Devan said. Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo,
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Opening statements in Harvey Weinstein's third Manhattan sex crimes trial beginA deathly pale Harvey Weinstein on Thursday was rolled into Manhattan court — where fruitless talks unfolded about a plea deal that would let him avoid a third sex crimes trial.
Read more »
Outgoing U.S. Rep Nydia Velázquez endorses Carl Wilson in Manhattan’s special election, widening break withRetiring Rep. Nydia Velázquez is backing Carl Wilson in the race to replace Erik Bottcher on the City Council, amNewYork has learned — deepening her rift with
Read more »
Harvey Weinstein’s Manhattan retrial opens with clashing arguments over his relationship to accuser |Attorneys made opening arguments in Harvey Weinstein’s third rape trial on Tuesday, six years after the disgraced Hollywood mogul took the stand over a case
Read more »
Rutgers Basketball Lands Manhattan Forward Transfer Will SydnorRutgers men's basketball adds another piece to the front court
Read more »
Manhattan foreclosures reach their lowest point in 4 years -- while 2 other boroughs hit peaksToday's Video Headlines 04/22/26
Read more »
Meet Manhattan's new apex-office aiming to smash leasing price recordsThe newest entrant to Manhattan’s office pipeline is poised to set a pricing benchmark at the very top of the market. Related Companies is marketing its forthcoming 52-story tower at 625 Madison Av…
Read more »