Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Developers to pay $12,750 appraisal after removal of protected beech; commission recommends conditional‑use amendment
Summary
Plan Commission recommended a conditional‑use amendment for the 6‑unit condominium at 805 Wall Street after the required beech tree was removed. The developer must adopt a revised landscape plan (two 3‑inch sugar maples) and pay $12,750 by Jan. 1, 2026 or the amount goes on the tax bill.
The Plan Commission on Nov. 19 recommended that the common council approve an amendment to the conditional‑use permit for a six‑unit condominium at 805 Wall Street after a protected beech tree required by the original permit was removed earlier in the project.
City Planner Amy Barrows told commissioners the arborist determined the beech could not be saved and the excavator removed it prior to construction. Staff proposed replacing the original landscape plan with a revised plan that includes two sugar maple trees (3‑inch caliper each), and asks the developer or owner to pay the appraised value of the removed beech — $12,750 — by Jan. 1, 2026. If the payment is not made, staff said the amount would appear on the property tax bill.
Barrows also recommended that the amended conditional‑use agreement clarify that developer obligations run with the developer (not solely recorded to the deed) and that the two‑year project completion deadline remain tied to the original common‑council approval date (March 17, 2027) so the amendment does not restart the clock.
Several commissioners expressed frustration about the tree’s removal and emphasized the importance of enforcing landscape and arborist protections. Commissioner (speaker 7) described the situation as an unfortunate lapse and urged that the appraisal funds be used to replant high‑quality hardwoods in the city.
The commission voted to recommend that common council approve the conditional‑use permit amendment, subject to the conditions presented by staff and city‑attorney review. Staff will continue to monitor compliance with the revised landscape plan and the payment schedule.
