Tisbury selectmen this week advocated for ornamental pear trees on a village lane, heard an update on the Beach Road improvement project and said they would formally object to the recent round of state budget cuts.

Some town residents have expressed concern to the selectmen about a property owner’s plan to cut down two Bradford pear trees on Clough Lane. The trees were planted by the Friends of Tisbury in 1970 as part of a beautification project. Town tree warden Ray Tattersall said the trees are on private property and are not considered public shade trees. A contractor on a building project put in the request to cut the trees down on the property owner’s behalf, he said.

“It’s a beautiful row of trees in the summertime, I can see why people could be upset about it,” said Mr. Tattersall. “We make our decision and hopefully they’ll listen and reconsider cutting them down.”

The selectmen agreed to write a letter asking the property owner to consider keeping the trees.

Taking up the broader issue of state budget cuts, the selectmen agreed to write a letter of concern about recent cuts by Gov. Charlie Baker that will affect state-funded assistance for Vineyard residents who are homeless, shellfish propagation, the development and support of anti-addiction programs in Vineyard schools.

Town administrator, John (Jay) Grande updated the selectmen on continuing discussions around the Beach Road improvement project, which is in the design phase. An asymmetrical layout is under consideration that would expand the width of the sidewalk from Five Corners to the Tisbury Marketplace and shrink the width of the sidewalk along the harbor side. A wider 7.5-foot sidewalk along the non-harbor side of the road would allow for plantings and street furniture, Mr. Grande said. Under this plan, the sidewalk on the harbor side would be five and a half feet wide.

“We will truly have a wide pedestrian corridor,” Mr. Grande said. “It will really add to defining that area as part of the downtown village business district.”

The project, which will also bury some utilities, is set to go out to bid in 2018.

In other business, the selectmen accepted an anonymous gift of a menorah and recognized Rick Karney, the longtime executive director of the Martha’s Vineyard Shellfish Group who is retiring.

Selectman Tristan Israel thanked Mr. Karney for his service, dedication and advocacy, calling him a tremendous resource for the Island.

“We think of you as scallop whisperer,” said chairman Melinda Loberg.

Town shellfish constable Danielle Ewart presented Mr. Karney with a photograph of scallops, signed by the selectmen.