The Redmond City Council has approved clearing the entire stand of more than 1,100 older growth and newer trees at the Overlake Group Health site.

Despite Council approval, there are still loose ends that deserve public scrutiny. We should let the Council know that Redmond residents are concerned.

Despite an analysis by a certified arborist that assured the city that many trees on the existing site can be saved, the council has dismissed this report without significant questions or any discussion. This report should be reexamined, and the decision to clear all trees reconsidered.

Also, while Group Health promises a generous mitigation plan, details are hazy, including the determination of where the replacement saplings are to be planted, and accountability for their long-term survival. This plan could become a burden to the City of Redmond.

This site has been “upzoned” at least twice since its initial plan, resulting in the present plan for many 10 to 13-story buildings on the 28-acre site. These will dwarf other structures in the neighborhood, including the nearby Microsoft campus. This development has “morphed” significantly since the initial concept, often with little or no public input. This plan sets an ominous precedent for future development in Overlake, and in all of Redmond. Are we ready for high rises throughout Redmond?

Group Health has stated that it now foresees breaking up the 28-acre site into multiple parcels. If this transpires, how can Group Health, or the City of Redmond, provide sufficient governance to ensure that the city’s master plan is adhered to and carried out? This will be a monumental challenge.

Please join us on Jan. 3 at the Redmond City Council’s first business meeting of 2012 to have a voice in how our city grows in the future. Public input is always welcomed, and the voices of citizens are vitally important right now. The shape of our community is about to change.

Robert Berg, Sustainable Redmond