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Appellant withdraws appeal; Modesto ash at 1158 Cuesta Drive will remain
Summary
At the June 25 Parks and Recreation Commission/Urban Forestry Board meeting, the appellant withdrew an appeal to remove a heritage Modesto ash at 1158 Cuesta Drive. Staff had recommended retention; because the appellant withdrew, the staff decision stands and no further action was required.
The Parks and Recreation Commission and Urban Forestry Board heard a withdrawal of an appeal over a Modesto ash at 1158 Cuesta Drive and recorded that the tree will be retained.
Russell Hansen, urban forest manager for the City of Mountain View, told the commission the tree “is a Modesto ash, has a 40 inch diameter when measured at 54 inches above grade” and that staff’s evaluation found the tree’s “health and structure of the canopy was at least fair.” Hansen said there was limited dieback and a small seam in the trunk that staff did not judge to be a structural failure.
The appellant, Oscar Hernandez—representing Arrow Homes/Arrow Properties—told the commission that, after further consideration and discussion with staff, the developer would not remove the ash. Hernandez said the house plan would be shifted to increase clearance and avoid construction within the tree’s protected area.
Commissioners then moved to enter the appellant’s withdrawal into the record. The commission’s action recorded that the appellant “has withdrawn their appeal and states that they intend to retain the tree; therefore, the commission will not need to take any action.” The motion to note the withdrawal in the minutes passed unanimously (recorded vote: Commissioner Bryant — yes; Commissioner Filios — yes; Commissioner Summer — yes; Vice Chair Mishner — yes; Chair Davis — yes).
Because the appellant retracted the request to remove the Modesto ash, staff’s determination that the tree should be retained stands and no removal permit or further hearing on that tree was required.
