Council members, residents press to reactivate Shade Tree Commission as city ramps tree planting

Multiple speakers at the Common Council meeting called for a renewed focus on urban forestry and a reactivated Shade Tree Commission to coordinate planting and maintenance across Poughkeepsie. Councilmember Mannist said the Department of Public Works had planted what she described as a record number of trees this year, but also noted continuing tree mortality from pests such as emerald ash borer and from hotter, drier summers. Mannist said she has discussed restarting the Shade Tree Commission with the administration and DPW and that “we have to figure out who from the city administration is going to be there to staff those meetings,” noting the staffing and overtime costs involved. Resident and Ward 8 candidate Daniel Tona said residents on multiple streets had asked for more trees and urged reactivation of the commission; he said “trees lower the average temperature of the surrounding area and absorb the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the air.” Mayor Flowers confirmed the city has appointed members to a Shade Tree Commission and said the group had been preparing to convene in connection with a tree-planting grant the city applied for but did not receive; she said the city will apply again and work with DPW and the commission appointees. Why it matters: Urban canopy affects heat, stormwater, air quality and neighborhood quality of life. Residents and council members framed the commission as a vehicle for organized planting and community participation. Details and constraints: Officials cautioned that commissions require staff support to function as public meetings, which entails scheduling and staff time. No new budget or timeline for reactivation was adopted at the meeting; council members said the commission’s reactivation is under discussion pending staffing and budget allocation.