Tree Commission orders 10 trees, relocates proposed Red Hook site after wiring found

The Town of Red Hook Tree Preservation Commission confirmed an order of 10 bare-root trees for spring planting and agreed to seek alternate planting locations after underground communication wiring was found at a proposed private site.

Chairman Cathy Michael reported that the commission had ordered 10 bare-root trees for the spring: two Quercus palustris, two Quercus bicolor, three Acer rubrum, two Ulmus japonica x pumila 'New Horizon' and one Acer saccharum. The purchases were described as already ordered by the chairman during the March 17 meeting.

George (Hop) Michael said he encountered difficulties preparing the proposed Ken Migliorelli property for planting and that, after probing the ground, the commission determined communication wiring runs beneath the site. Hop Michael said he contacted Dig Safe and inserted markers to invite an engineer’s opinion before proceeding, and suggested several alternate locations: two sites on the eastern portion of Pitcher Lane, an extension north at Liza Migliorelli’s property, the Rec Park West pollinator entrance, or the north side of Rockefeller Lane.

The commission did not take a formal vote on planting locations at the March 17 meeting; members instructed staff and volunteers to pursue the alternate sites and consult with utility clearance services before any excavation. The group also noted that some plantings originally planned for the private site could be deferred to public locations if the private property remained unsuitable.

Next steps: commission members will verify underground utilities with Dig Safe or an engineer before any planting, confirm availability at the proposed alternate sites, and schedule planting once sites are cleared and logistics (volunteer teams, tree delivery) are finalized.