Commission debates options for Drexel Circle war monument—removal of adjacent trees, cleaning or moving monument under study

Bexley Tree and Public Gardens Commission members spent time on June 18 discussing the war monument at the northwest corner of Drexel Circle and whether adjacent hornbeam trees should be removed to better expose and highlight the memorial. Staff consultant Walter Raines said the immediately adjacent trees were reducing the monument’s visibility and that simple pruning likely would not accomplish the intended visual effect. “I don’t think that you can do it justice with pruning,” Raines said, and recommended removing the two trees flanking the monument and using landscaping to frame the memorial. Commissioners discussed alternatives including relocating the monument into the grass, power‑washing or up‑lighting it to improve visibility, and whether moving a heavy structure would be feasible or would risk damage. Why it matters: the monument contains dedication names and is the focal point for Memorial Day ceremonies; commissioners noted a resident complaint that the structure is hidden and that any changes should honor the memorial’s history and structural fragility. Outcome and next steps: the commission did not vote. Members asked staff to collect specific information before returning with recommendations: whether a short‑term landscape plan could reduce the visual impact of tree removals (for example, shrubs or temporary plantings), the cost and risk of moving the monument (including concrete footings and heavy equipment needs), and timelines for canopy reconfiguration if trees are removed (Walter Raines estimated “a couple of seasons” to several years depending on new plantings). The commission tasked staff to gather cost estimates and feasibility analysis and present findings at a future meeting.