Sakura trees in Westport are safe from construction project 

The trees were at risk of being removed by the state DOT because of a construction project. 

Nicole Alarcon Soares

Oct 21, 2023, 12:25 AM

Updated 419 days ago

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The 40-year-old Japanese cherry blossom trees outside the Sakura restaurant have been saved. 
They were at risk of being removed by the state DOT because of a construction project. 
Advocates were able to work with state and local officials to change the plans and keep the trees. 
Andrew Colabella, a member of the Westport Representative Town Meeting, said the trees are a cultural and aesthetic part of the Sakura restaurant, and people all over the region come to look at it.  
 “When we saved these trees, it really put a lot of hope in people on how town government can get things done," said Colabella. 
The trees in front of Stop & Shop were also saved from being removed, according to Colabella.