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Conway Tree Board tables appeal to remove 25-inch oak at 2410 Blake Street
Summary
The Conway Tree Board temporarily tabled an appeal from a homeowner seeking removal of a protected 25-inch southern chestnut oak at 2410 Blake Street to allow further review by Public Works and for the owner to provide plumbing documentation.
The Conway Tree Board on an appeal hearing for a tree at 2410 Blake Street voted to table the request so city Public Works and the homeowner can investigate whether recent municipal storm‑drain work damaged the tree’s roots.
City staff told the board the tree is a 25‑inch southern chestnut oak and that staff denied a removal permit because the damage reported—sidewalk lifting and a brick column separation—did not meet the ordinance’s criteria for removal under “section 9 8 10 subsection a of the UNEO.” Katie, city staff, said staff had no proof of “severe, sewer issues” and that the damage observed was cosmetic and not structural.
Homeowner Mr. Fauci told the board he believes city storm‑drain construction removed soil at the base of the tree and later noticed sewage backups. He said a city camera operator told him a city employee had run a camera showing tree roots possibly affecting a sewer line, and that after the work the tree began leaning more than photos show. “When the underground storm drainage was being installed, all the dirt was removed on that side of the tree,” Mr. Fauci said, and he described sidewalk and column damage and an increased lean toward his house.
Board members discussed options, including asking the homeowner to secure a plumber’s inspection of the sewer line and asking staff to confer with Public Works and Utilities about whether construction practices could have damaged the roots. Staff noted the work occurred around 2022 and the tree has not shown a decline since that time.
The board adopted a motion to table the appeal and asked staff to coordinate with Public Works and Utilities and for the homeowner to provide a plumber’s letter documenting any sewer‑line damage. The motion carried by voice vote.
If the board later grants removal, mitigation will be required under the ordinance; staff said the mitigation calculation was provided in the applicant packet and would be reviewed if removal is permitted.
