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Historic commission approves bluestone walk and removal of hazardous trees at 7 Church Street
Summary
The Farmington Historic District Commission approved changing the front walk at 7 Church Street from brick to bluestone and authorized removal of two leaning pine trees and a diseased ash tree, with staff discretion to remove additional hazardous trees and a requirement for replacement plantings.
The Town of Farmington Historic District Commission on Nov. 18 approved a modification to a previously reviewed plan for 7 Church Street to replace a brick front walk with bluestone to match the porch and to remove two white pines and a deteriorated ash tree.
John Paul Bertulia, representing the owner, said the pines posed a hazard because one leans toward the house and had lost many limbs; he requested permission to remove both pines and several other problem trees identified by the contractor. "...the fear is that it's going to fall in the house," Bertulia said of one pine during the presentation.
Commissioners broadly supported the bluestone walk and removal of the identified trees, and asked that the owner replant with smaller native or fruit trees rather than replanting like for like. Staff noted the ash tree may be diseased and recommended leaving final determinations about additional removals to staff discretion when rot or peeling bark is evident; commissioners agreed that staff should be allowed to act on obviously hazardous trees and to require reasonable replacement plantings.
A motion to approve the change to bluestone, authorize removal of the two pines and the ash, and permit staff discretion for additional hazardous removals passed by voice vote. No online or in‑person public commenters spoke on the application during the hearing.
