Shade tree commissioners and residents push back after city revises code package that would shift tree‑approval authority

The Shade Tree Commission and residents urged Athens city officials to preserve the commission’s approval role for development landscaping as the city advances a broad code change package, and the commission approved a volunteer planting for Eastside Park.

The commission and multiple residents said the proposed changes — which planners initially suggested would remove the Shade Tree Commission’s final approval authority and cut planting requirements for new development — risked weakening local tree protections and could imperil the city’s Tree City USA standing. Commissioners and public commenters said the city has since revised the draft but that concerns remain about late consultation and an outstanding exemption for manufacturing developments.

Commission members summarized three near-term planting projects and approved one planting request to place roughly 20–25 trees behind the Walmart at Eastside Park. The approved planting is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 1; the commission said volunteers would be requested. Commissioners also discussed a larger package of code amendments that has moved between the Planning Commission and City Council and is expected to return to those bodies for additional review.

Commission…