Monterey appeals board allows removal of hazardous Monterey pine at 814 Martin Street with 2-to-1 replacement

The Monterey Appeals Hearing Board voted 3-0 on Jan. 29 to overturn a city forester's denial and allow removal of a Monterey pine at 814 Martin Street, with a required 2-to-1 replacement of 15-gallon trees to be planted on the same property.

The action followed testimony from the homeowner, identified in the record as Charlie Schell, who said multiple private arborists rated the tree's hazard “10 out of 12” and “11 out of 12,” described a 33-inch trunk and estimated the tree's mass at about 15 tons, and warned that if the tree fell it would likely "break the roof" and could strike the bedroom. "If it falls... it's gonna break the roof," Schell said, arguing pruning was not a viable mitigation and that neighbors shared his concern.

City staff and the forestry division had recommended denial. Assistant City…