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Board approves removal of specimen tree at Parkridge Drive lot over single dissent
Summary
The board granted a variance to remove a specimen tree on Parkridge Drive after the owner and private arborists said the tree was structurally compromised; city arborist described the tree as in fair condition but the board voted 4–1 to allow removal subject to replacement/compensation conditions.
Brookhaven’s Board of Appeals approved a variance allowing removal of a specimen tree at 3035 Parkridge Drive, finding that the evidence presented supported the owner’s need to remove a tree they and private arborists judged structurally compromised.
Builder Houston Feaster and property owner explained that two private arborists conducted testing (resistograph testing) and found vertical cracking and structural issues. The city arborist reviewed submitted materials and described the tree as in "fair" condition but did not oppose processing the removal through the variance procedure.
The owner said he could not safely or economically continue renting the property while the tree remained in place, citing recent neighborhood experiences of large limbs failing and damaging infrastructure. The board voted 4–1 to grant the variance subject to standard staff conditions (tree replacement or payment in lieu, mitigation measures and required site plan updates).
The decision includes staff‑recommended compensatory planting and other mitigation steps. Board members stressed the decision was narrowly focused on the variance criteria and the specific evidence presented about the tree’s condition and economic constraints of the property owner.
