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Allentown approves $105,710 tree contract tied to federal grant; residents ask about consent and liability
Summary
Council awarded a $105,710 contract to FA Bartlett Tree Expert Company to plant and remove street trees along Ridge Avenue and Second Street under a federal urban and community forestry grant; Parks staff said the grant requires timely spending and homeowners will be notified before plantings.
City Council authorized a $105,710 contract with FA Bartlett Tree Expert Company to carry out street‑tree planting, removals and replacements on Ridge Avenue and Second Street as part of a federal urban and community‑forestry grant.
Veronica Vostenak of Parks and Recreation said the city is a subgrantee with American Forest and that the grant requires prompt spending or similar grants have been terminated; an inventory will begin in two to three weeks and park staff identified priority locations. She said the grant includes both contractor work and community tree‑planting events, with roughly half the money going to contractor services and half to volunteer events.
Residents raised concerns about homeowner consent, maintenance obligations and liability for damage if roots harm foundations or property. Vostenak said homeowners will receive a mailed notice before plantings and that homeowners are responsible for ongoing trimming and maintenance under city ordinance; the city requires contractor crews to include an ISA‑certified arborist for safety and technical work.
Supporters, including Council members and Kyle Ropsky (who identified himself as chair of the Environmental Advisory Council), noted canopy and property value benefits and urged timely use of the grant. The council approved the contract unanimously.
