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Planning Commission pauses landmark nomination for private tree at 46 Cook Street; continues matter to July 2
Summary
After hearing from the tree owner and Urban Forestry Council staff, the Planning Commission declined to nominate a privately owned tree for landmark status today and unanimously moved the item to July 2 so the owner and experts can prepare; a temporary DPW order already restricts removal.
The Planning Commission on June 18 declined to adopt a draft resolution that would have immediately nominated a privately owned tree at 46 Cook Street for landmark review, then voted unanimously to continue the matter to July 2 to allow the owner and Urban Forestry Council staff time to gather information.
Commissioner Richards introduced the item as a "stay of execution" to halt imminent removal while the nomination and research proceed. Meiling Wing, coordinator for the Urban Forestry Council, explained the nomination process: if this commission or certain other bodies pass a nominating resolution, the tree becomes temporarily protected while the Council conducts site evaluations and public hearings. If the Council deems it worthy, it forwards a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors, which must pass an ordinance to make the landmark official.
The tree’s private owner, who said he learned of the action only recently, told commissioners he had not received adequate notice and asked for time to obtain documents and respond. He said he had removed a palm from a vacant lot but had not taken steps to remove the tree in question.
Commission debate focused on whether nominating the tree without additional information was appropriate. Commissioner Antonini and others argued the owner deserves time to prepare arborist reports and explain any impacts of the tree’s roots; Commissioner Moore and others said nomination simply triggers review and interim protection and would preserve the tree while experts evaluate it. A motion to nominate failed 2–3 (Moore and Richards in favor); the board then voted to continue the matter to July 2, when staff from Urban Forestry and Public Works are expected to return.
The Commission was advised that the Department of Public Works had already issued an emergency order preventing the tree’s immediate removal, providing an interim protection separate from the nomination process.
Provenance: Item 5 discussion and votes (Planning Commission hearing, June 18, 2015).
