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Board approves permit to remove up to 15 live oaks at Gahhagen Park; members press for drainage review and canopy replacements
Summary
Board members approved a permit to remove up to 15 live oaks at Gahhagen Park to allow repaving of a parking lot, urging staff to explore drainage, island redesign and mitigation plantings and to attempt to save one specimen tree (‘‘tree number 16").
The Summerville Prep Protection Board approved a permit allowing the removal of up to 15 live oaks at Gahhagen Park to facilitate a planned parking-lot repaving, while directing staff to examine drainage, consider combining islands to allow larger replacement canopy trees, and to try to preserve one specimen, referred to as ‘‘tree number 16.’'
A project representative said a team writing the bid scope recommended paving in October, which accelerates the timeline for tree removal and replacement work. "They highly suggested that we actually pave in October which is going to speed up my timeline a lot," the representative said, adding they were open to staff guidance on species selection and island redesign.
Board members described several technical constraints and planning priorities. One member said raised roots around the islands had caused puddling during site visits and noted that at least 10 of the 17 island oaks showed dieback and stress. Another member warned that removing many trees could create "a pretty large urban heat island" and urged the town to plan for canopy replacements and drainage mitigation. The board discussed options including combining small islands to create larger planting footprints that could support canopy trees with greater soil volume.
After discussion, a board member moved to permit removal of 15 trees while requesting an effort be made to preserve tree number 16 and to have the arborist continue advising on replacement species. The motion was seconded and carried on a voice vote; the board recorded the approval and directed staff and the arborist to work together on species choices and planting logistics before contractors proceed.
The board did not adopt a detailed planting list or confirm funding amounts during the meeting. Members referenced the town tree fund as a likely source for mitigation plantings but did not specify dollar figures. Staff committed to follow up on drainage questions raised by members and to return with specifics if changes to the island layout or parking configuration are proposed.
