MARYSVILLE – At least it’s got a nicer name.

Dozens of 75-year-old second-growth trees came down this week at “Spook Woods.”

Taking its place will be the “Majestic Wood” development with 30 single-family homes on almost 5 acres.

The location in the 8100 block of 51st Avenue NE is zoned high density, just like surrounding neighborhoods.

Some aren’t happy about the development.

In a letter to the editor in April, Benjamin Holmes said he didn’t like that it would add 60 vehicles to already congested streets.

“Marysville officials are not adequately handling our current level of growth,” he wrote. “We have a traffic crisis in this city, and new developments constantly popping up do not lessen this serious reality. The seemingly infinite amount of construction in Marysville is injecting hundreds (possibly thousands) of new cars on our clogged roads year by year.” Holmes wrote that Spook Woods should be preserved. Urban wooded areas serve as sound barriers, and residents need open spaces for peace and quiet.

He called on city leaders to impose a temporary moratorium on urban sprawl. “Temporarily halting disruptive growth will allow our city to combat urban decay, demolish dangerous structures, and redevelop old or vacant properties,” he wrote. Others, like neighbor Jenny Smith, were sad to see the trees go. She said even though it was private property they couldn’t go on her family loved having the trees around when walking in the area.

On the other hand, some feared trees would come down during a windstorm, which they had. Homeless, drug addicts, parties and fights also were common. In one fight, Marysville Getchell student Robbie Myrick was killed.

During the public process, the city received only four adverse comments.

Responding to traffic concerns, the city said $6,300 per home is being charged for mitigation.

Concerned about growth at Pinewood Elementary, Cedarcrest Middle and Marysville-Pilchuck High, the Marysville School District will be allowed to charge impact fees.

Like Holmes, another mentioned the need for open space. But the city responded saying the state Growth Management Act requires growth within cities, and areas outside of there to be preserved.

Developer Huseby Homes of Woodinville also developed Roger’s Park at 11824 52nd Drive NE in Marysville.