City Board grants retroactive approval for Cranberry Park tree treatment costs

The Board of Estimate and Taxation meeting held on July 7, 2025, in Norwalk City, Connecticut, focused on two significant retroactive funding requests related to city maintenance and preparation for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday.

The meeting commenced with a discussion led by Ken Hughes, who presented the first request for a transfer of approximately $19,000. This funding was needed for urgent maintenance on a large weeping beech tree, commonly referred to as the "monkey tree," located in Cranberry Park. Hughes explained that the tree was suffering from severe mite infestation and beech leaf disease, necessitating immediate action. Following consultations with city arborists, the decision was made to fence off the area around the tree to prevent further damage from foot traffic. The treatment plan includes deep root fertilization, mulching, and the application of fungicides and pesticides. Hughes emphasized the importance of timely intervention to prevent further deterioration of the tree's health.

The second request addressed preparations for the Fourth of July celebrations at the beach. Hughes noted the need to replace several barbecue grills and acquire additional cleaning supplies to accommodate the expected crowds during the holiday.

During the discussion, board members raised questions regarding the costs associated with the tree maintenance, with one member expressing concern that the $8,900 allocated for the tree work seemed high compared to their personal experiences with tree care.

The meeting concluded with a call for any further questions regarding the requests, indicating that the board would consider the retroactive approvals in light of the discussions held. The urgency of both requests highlights the city's commitment to maintaining public spaces and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike.