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Dear Recipient Name:

I am a long-time resident of our city, and I am writing to express my concern about recent discussion and the pending decision to remove the trees along the Main Street corridor. I understand that the decision is being considered to enable street widening that will accommodate increasingly heavier traffic.

However, I do not believe that the benefits of widening Main Street for more traffic compare favorably to the benefits of keeping the trees. Consider: Trees make for a more natural, less artificial, and therefore less stressful, environment. The sight and sound of traffic, on the other hand, are not pleasant, and can leave us feeling more stressed. Furthermore, it is well known that trees improve air quality; leaves filter the air we breathe, absorb pollution, and give off oxygen. It is also well known that traffic gives off myriad pollutants that decrease air quality.

It would seem that widening our roads would bring increased growth, and thus a better economy, to our city. However, consider that trees bring energy savings by moderating heat in commercial areas, and that landscaping with trees increases property values. Traffic, on the other hand, will increase energy costs by increasing temperatures and air pollution, and will decrease surrounding property values.

Are these tradeoffs that we really want to make? I am looking forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Your Name