By Jacquie Rath
The initial phase of the repaving project involves an evaluation of the existing roadway and surrounding trees and shrubbery. When an initial evaluation of the Princeton Road area was performed, the village determined that there were five trees on the curb strip that would be potential post-paving hazards if left intact. Written 24-hour notification was given to affected residents that the trees would be removed.
Princeton Road residents were disturbed by the news that they would be losing five of the trees that for years have provided an abundance of shade for the block. Adding to their concerns was the fact that these were healthy trees that showed no sign of disease or infestation.
A similar situation had occurred on Sheppard Street, where a number of trees had been removed. Anne Molanphy, a Princeton Road resident, said that the post-tree removal scene on Sheppard Street "looks like a war zone." Upon receiving the written notification of tree removal for their street, the Princeton Road residents immediately called village officials and requested a re-evaluation of the situation.
Among the officials who visited the site were Village Administrator Ron Wasson and trustees Jeanne Mulry and Andrew Karamouzis. After a careful evaluation and re-engineering process, it was determined that three of the five trees scheduled for removal could be saved.
The targeted trees were pin oaks well over 50 feet high. According to Wasson, "They are trees with very shallow roots that extend way out." During the water main replacement and repaving process, those roots would need to be cut in order to lower the pavement to change water flow and prevent potential flooding. If the trees were not removed, and were left intact after having their roots cut, they would pose a safety risk for residents. In addition, one of the trees was dangerously close to power lines.
Throughout this summer's repaving projects, the village has taken down 29 trees for "safety, liability and engineering issues," said Jeff Kluewer, village spokesman. According to both Kluewer and Wasson, every effort is made to save the trees during such renovation projects.
Still, Molanphy and others on the block question the expertise of those who made the decision to take down five trees when, in the end, it was determined that three could be saved. According to Wasson, such decisions are made by a small group of people (including the village engineer) who collectively have over 70 years' experience in such matters.
Princeton Road residents believe more could have been done. Molanphy stated that "village law requires two weeks' notice" before tree removal. With that additional time, residents believe they could have had enough time to consult an arborist to determine if there was an alternate method of handling the trees. When asked about the notification time, Wasson said, "There is no law" regarding timing of the notification.
It is routine practice for the village to provide young saplings to property owners who have had trees removed as a result of the improvement projects. The village offers advice on where the young trees would grow best, and strongly suggests that future planting be done away from utility lines. Another suggestion is to plant "backup" trees so that if older trees become sick or fall as a result of an accident or storm, there will already be an abundance of trees to take their place.
