Planning commission rejects Annecy street-tree substitutions, cites planting errors and timing concerns

The Nolensville Planning Commission on April 8 unanimously rejected a request from the developer Old Smith to approve relocated street-tree planting locations and substitute species in Annecy phases 1 and 3.

The revision request sought permission to leave already-planted trees in the grass strip between curb and sidewalk rather than dig them up and replant the large-canopy trees in front yards as shown on the approved cross sections. Jay Easter, a landscape architect with Reagan Smith who worked on the project, told the commission he and a colleague were trying “to make the best of a difficult situation to help get this closed out with the least amount of impact to the current residents.” He said many substituted species appear on street-tree lists used by surrounding municipalities.

Commissioners and several residents disputed that approach. “The easy solution to this, in my opinion, is do it right the first time,” Commissioner Adams said, arguing the approved plans called for large canopy trees in front yards rather than between curb and sidewalk. Adams and others noted trees planted in the narrow grass strip have damaged sidewalks and curbs in other parts of town and expressed concern about future maintenance costs.

Resident Leona Kaborov described multiple streets where trees were planted in the wrong locations or with species not on Nolensville’s approved list. Another resident, Joe Kirsinger, asked the commission to clarify vested-rights and permit questions related to nearby Darcy development during public comment.

Staff said the grass strip along Annecy Parkway is 7 feet wide and that the local neighborhood streets were originally specified to have canopy trees in front yards. Staff also said the developer submitted a revised plan after the agenda was published and that the town had received 11 emails on the topic.

Commissioners discussed three practical options: accept the substitutions and replace dead trees with matching species, remove and replant to match the approved plan, or transplant living trees into front yards and replace dead ones. The landscape architect said roughly “over 60” trees were involved and estimated that a full wholesale replacement of the side streets could be “over a hundred trees.” Staff clarified that some trees planted are cultivars of American elm (Princeton, Valley Forge) and that similar cultivars (Jefferson, Patriot) appear on other municipal lists.

Timing factored heavily in the debate. Commissioners noted the developer’s bond for the subdivision expires in June and that to meet the town’s agenda deadlines any revised plan would need to be submitted in May. Commissioner Adams said that left essentially 30 days to resolve and implement a replanting before the June bond review.

After discussion, the commission took a voice vote on the street-tree revision request; the motion failed, and the minutes record the outcome as “Motion fails unanimously.” The applicant may return with a revised plan or pursue bond-extension options with the town.

The commission also asked staff to contact the developer and request their attendance at future meetings when these items are discussed.