Chesapeake Beach tree board tables permit for three poplars at 3604 Eleventh Street

The Chesapeake Beach Tree Board on Oct. 7 tabled a request to remove three tulip poplars at 3604 Eleventh Street, saying the board needs additional documentation and a site visit before it will recommend approval.

The board’s discussion followed a report from Sarah Franklin, the town planning and zoning administrator, which the board chair read into the record. Franklin’s report noted that Chapter 2-63 of the town code “exists to protect the urban forest in Chesapeake Beach” and that the three poplars are protected by that ordinance. The application stated the trees were healthy but too large for the property; the report listed circumferences of about 85 inches, 90 inches and 103 inches and said the trees are more than 100 feet from the street, meaning a permit is required.

Why it matters: The board said it must balance property-owner concerns and public forest protections before allowing removal of protected trees. Board members raised safety questions, long-term goals for the property and technical uncertainties…