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HEW committee questions State Street tree removals and asks manager to investigate
Summary
Committee members raised concerns about the removal of eight mature trees on State Street, discussed possible legal limits tied to nesting-bird season, reported conflicting accounts about who removed the trees, and asked the manager to inquire and report back.
Members of the Health, Education & Welfare committee expressed concern about recent tree removals on State Street and agreed to ask the city manager to investigate.
A committee member criticized the cutting down of mature State Street trees and said the removals were “crushing.” That member described hearing rumors that AT&T had cut the trees but said AT&T denied doing so when asked. Another committee member said the trees appeared to be on private property and that it was unclear whether the property owner authorized removal. One member said they had watched the trees being cut and believed they could identify who did the work.
The chair noted the timing could fall within federal nesting-bird season, which may make some removals unlawful, and suggested the committee ask the manager to inquire about compliance with applicable rules. The chair said they would send an email to the manager documenting the committee’s discussion. Committee members debated whether the committee had purview over the matter; one member framed the concern as affecting the town’s mental health and welfare.
No formal enforcement action or vote was taken at the meeting. The committee’s next step was direction for staff or the manager to determine who performed the removals and whether any legal or permitting issues apply. The meeting then adjourned.
Attribution: quotes and assertions in this article are attributed to speakers listed in the meeting record as Committee member (S3), Committee member (S2), and Chair (S1).
