Dozens of residents and environmental advocates told the commission Jean Willis Park is a valued neighborhood green space and objected to proposed heritage-tree nomination costs and park relocation; speakers called for redesign rather than removal and urged the city to prioritize canopy preservation.

Hundreds of residents spoke at the commission meeting, urging officials not to relocate or remove Gene Willis Park's mature trees. Speakers cited donor history, low survival rates for transplanted large trees, wildlife and pedestrian safety concerns, and asked the city to pursue redesigns or alternatives.

Dozens of residents, horticulturists and historians urged the commission to preserve Jean Willis Park and the Silver Martin Building during redevelopment, warning that transplanting mature trees is costly and frequently fails and asking the city to require design alternatives that save the park.