ITHACA, N.Y. –– The 700 block of Stewart Ave will be closed to thru traffic for several days as city and state crews work to remove trees infested with the invasive Spotted Lantern Fly.
Discovered locally last fall, the Spotted Lantern Fly wreaks havoc causing trees and other species of plant hosts to slowly die. According to Jeanne Grace, the Ithaca City Forester, the trees are being removed to “slow the spread” as the Spotted Lantern Fly has been known to spread quickly and discreetly to the surrounding greenery.
Tree removal is slated to start April 15 at 7 a.m. and will continue Friday, April 16 and Monday, April 19 with a break Saturday and Sunday. Crews, headed up by a team from New York State Agriculture and Markets, will be actively working from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on those days. According to Grace, the project is being managed by Agriculture and Markets and a city crew is assisting.
Trees will be removed on both sides of the road and only local traffic and emergency vehicles will be allowed through.
The block to avoid runs between University Ave and Willard Way. Thru traffic will use Willard Way as a detour.