Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Use topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Select Board approves removal of three public shade trees for Brookline Housing Authority redevelopment
Summary
After a public hearing and expert testimony that the trees are in decline and restrict accessibility, the Select Board approved removal of three Juniper Street public shade trees under MGL Chapter 87; BHA will replant five canopy trees and install improved sidewalk/soil conditions as part of a 181‑unit redevelopment.
The Brookline Select Board on Jan. 6 approved the removal of three town‑owned shade trees on Juniper Street to enable a Brookline Housing Authority redevelopment that will replace aging apartments with 181 modern affordable units.
Jennifer Depazo Gilbert, representing the Housing Authority, said the project will create fully accessible units and modern landscaping and that three public shade trees near the existing retaining wall would not survive the required grading and accessibility improvements. “We intend to replace the three with five shade trees on Juniper Street,” she said, adding that the project includes extensive interior green space and a commitment to an improved tree canopy.
Architect Nick Burens (Util) and the project arborist presented site analysis showing constrained soil volume and root binding caused by an existing retaining wall. Town urban forestry manager and tree warden Josh Schleifer told the board the trees—identified as lindens—are showing structural decline and that the proposal calls for replanting canopy species in improved rooting conditions using structural soils. “We will be replanting canopy trees in this area,” Schleifer said.
The tree planting committee and the Commission on Disability reviewed the plan; the committee voted to support removal after consideration, although members said there had been written objections. Chair Liz Erdman said committee members and neighbors asked whether the trees could be saved, and concluded the trees were unlikely to survive even without the redevelopment; she noted concerns about timing and the importance of ensuring replacements are planted promptly.
BHA said the town has committed $7.5 million to seed the redevelopment, and that the project’s landscape plan adds net new canopy area and improved accessibility. The board heard questions about whether replacement trees would achieve the same canopy as mature specimens; town staff said replacements would be standard 2.5–3.5‑inch caliper trees and that improved below‑ground conditions and removal of the retaining wall would allow long‑term growth.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, public shade‑tree removals that receive written appeals must be decided by the Select Board. After public comment and discussion, the board voted unanimously to approve the removal pursuant to M.G.L. c.87, with BHA and town departments to coordinate on planting, placement and maintenance.
Next steps: the developer will refine construction details and coordinate exact tree locations and timing with the tree warden and DPW; planting details, species and schedule will be included in construction documents and monitored by town forestry staff.
