Why were trees and bushes removed at Highlands Middle School?
Seven trees and four bushes were cut down in front of the Highlands Middle School as part of a construction project that will replace the main sewer line of the school, Jefferson County Public Schools said.
Three of the trees cut "were in bad shape" and the other four were disrupting the sewer line that is being replaced, JCPS spokesperson Mark Hebert said. He said they are working with Trees of Louisville to restore the trees when the construction is completed.
Hebert said the sewer line has been replaced many times because tree roots keep damaging it and clogging it.
The replacement of the main sewer is one of the many improvements being done in the school. The school is also adding 15 more parking spaces and a circle drive in front of the school. The school entrance is also getting a two-door entrance and a vestibule.
Hebert said there is only one door to enter the building which leads to the main office and the indoor part of the school and that the parking lot off of Richmond Avenue is small. The vestibule is part of JCPS' process to install security systems in all schools.
"JCPS has been installing and continues to install the secure vestibule systems in schools and hopes to eventually have that secure system in all schools. Safety and security improvements were the top priority of Highland’s new principal when she arrived last year," Hebert said.
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Reach Ana Rocío Álvarez Bríñez at abrinez@gannett.com; follow her on Twitter at @SoyAnaAlvarez.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Highlands Middle School: Seven trees, four bushes removed
