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German Village Commission continues tree-removal COA for East Seward property, asks for larger shade replacements
Summary
The commission continued a Certificate of Appropriateness for removal of nine mature trees at an East Seward Street property and asked the applicant to propose larger shade trees rather than small ornamentals.
The German Village Commission on Jan. 2 continued review of a Certificate of Appropriateness application for 2400-series East Seward Street that requests removal of nine mature trees and planting of replacement trees.
HPO staff told the commission the application was continued from a prior hearing because the applicant did not attend that meeting; the submitted revised site plan showed three groups of three trees to be removed (two groups in the rear yard and one in the front) and proposed three replacement ornamental trees: one gold crabapple, one white dogwood and one flowering pin cherry.
Commissioners said the proposed ornamental replacements would not meet the commission’s prior guidance to install larger, narrow shade trees that would better replace canopy and shade function. One commissioner said the proposed replacements "are not likely going to achieve a lot of size or help to infill" and urged species such as a Freeman maple or a beech. HPO staff noted the proposed species are not on the city’s urban forestry "do not plant" list.
Because the applicant was not present to accept modifications, the commission voted to continue the application and requested a revised site plan showing larger replacement trees, accurate locations of hardscaping and plant beds, and verification before any certificate is issued. The motion to continue passed on voice vote.
Why it matters: The commission will vet the final replacement species and planting plan before approving removal, ensuring the historic district retains canopy and shade consistent with prior guidance.
What’s next: Applicant must submit a revised site plan with tree species and placement and provide verification materials to HPO prior to issuance of any certificate.
