During a recent government meeting, discussions centered on the impact of development on local trees, particularly concerning the Saint Philip Catholic Church property. The church representatives expressed concerns over the removal of six trees during the first phase of development, despite earlier assurances that no trees would be lost. They emphasized the importance of these trees, noting that their presence was a significant factor in the church's decision to purchase the property.

The meeting revealed that while some trees have been removed, efforts have been made to minimize the overall impact on the environment. The church has worked to adjust its site plan to preserve as many specimen trees as possible, with a total of 70 identified on the property. Currently, three additional trees are slated for removal in the next phase of development, raising further concerns among community members.

A key point of discussion was the tree credits system, which allows developers to receive incentives for preserving protected trees. The church representatives indicated their compliance with the town's landscape plan, which includes required plantings to offset tree removals.

The conversation also touched on the potential for future development phases, with uncertainty surrounding the construction of a small building on the property. Church representatives stated that there are no immediate plans for this building within the next five years, but they would return to the town if any changes arise.

Ultimately, a motion was made to approve the removal of three specific trees while denying the removal of a rare post oak tree, which the church hopes to save. The motion received unanimous support from the commission members, reflecting a balance between development needs and environmental preservation.

Additionally, the meeting included updates from the open space subcommittee, which reported progress on obtaining National Wildlife Habitat Certification points, particularly through initiatives focused on local schools. A local Boy Scout's Eagle project was also highlighted, showcasing community engagement in environmental efforts.