Some Roswell residents are planning a protest against a proposed development that would cut down — and replant — dozens of trees near two war memorials.

On Dec. 17, a group of local conservationists plan to protest the city's "City Green Master Plan & Design Project," which is a plan to develop the lawn around city hall. The plan would require moving two veterans' memorials.

The plan will cut down about half a football field of trees to build a lawn, then replant some trees and add temporary shade covers for special events, according to the online summary. Two veterans' memorials — the Faces of War Memorial, a monument that honors Vietnam War veterans, and a World War II memorial — will be relocated as well.

Litten, a former Roswell mayoral candidate, said when he first heard about the $15 million plan he thought it was ridiculous.

"There are a lot of things they could do with $15 million besides cut up a lawn," he said.

Roswell Mayor Jere Wood said one of the main purposes of the development will be to connect city hall to downtown.

"City hall should be part of a small town, and it's not," he said. So far the plan has received general but not unanimous support.

The mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly plan is modeled after similar developments across the country. It will include an amphitheater, a promenade and a lawn.

The city council has yet to approve the plan. Wood said the timeline for construction, after approval, would be about one year.

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A rendering of the columbarium memorial that is estimated to be completed by next summer or fall in the southeast part of Oakland Cemetery, officials said. (Courtesy of Historic Oakland Foundation)

Credit: Historic Oakland Foundation