Fairfield town officials are preparing to remove four cherry blossom trees in the downtown area, angering some residents who look forward to the blooms each year.

Town officials say the four cherry blossom trees in front of the Sacred Heart Community Theater will be removed to expand the plaza in front of the theater, to provide more seating. They also will plant three new cherry trees and a shade tree.

A public notice about the removal went up last month.

Dozens of residents made their voices heard at a public hearing Monday. Neighbors say the cherry blossoms are an iconic piece of Fairfield's downtown come springtime and feel replanting saplings won't capture what the 35-year-old cherry trees provide.

"There was such an outpouring of people being upset and really just not wanting this cut down," said Fairfield resident Jenine Beck. "They have ideas for putting in new trees, new cherry trees -- which is fine -- but to reach this maturity level will obviously take years and years. So the shade that it gives; people see it. It just fills them with their sense of being home, which is really important. So, I don't really see why they have to be cut down."

Fairfield First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick says at 35 years old, the cherry trees are nearing the end of their lifespan and could present a liability issue.

Officials say the renovated plaza will include new sidewalks, space to eat outside and a garden.