Trees in the path of public housing in Charlestown: âfalse choiceâ or real trade-off? Updated March 14, 2021, 4:02 p.m. Email to a Friend Environmental activists donât speak for complexâs residents In light of David Abelâs article âTo some, trees a balm; to others, a barrier to progressâ (Page A1, March 8), we would like to clarify the facts about tree preservation and the impact it has on our lives. As the elected local tenant organization, the Charlestown Resident Alliance represents the 2,500 residents of the Bunker Hill public housing complex. We have fought to ensure that the plan for Phase 1 of the replacement of the complex retains as many mature trees as possible. When complete, the entire project will double the number of existing trees on site. The new buildings will also improve the poor indoor air quality that causes our residents to suffer disproportionately high levels of asthma and other respiratory issues.