Kaufman Drive residents press Westwood council over sidewalk damage; borough to use evaluation matrix

At the May 19 Borough of Westwood Mayor & Council meeting, residents from Kaufman Drive urged the council to address repeated sidewalk damage they say is caused by the root systems of borough‑planted street trees. They told the council that grinding roots has created ongoing liability and property‑damage risks for homeowners and asked for removal of problematic trees and relocation of future plantings to public parks.

Councilmembers acknowledged the value of community trees but said the current Shade Tree Committee is attempting to address a legacy problem. Councilmember Collins told the meeting the committee is trying to resolve issues that began “50 or so years ago” when the trees were originally planted. The council agreed on a standardized matrix to evaluate each tree’s viability and risk; Borough Administrator Ayer said she will work individually with affected residents and outlined the measurement methods the borough will use to assess growth and hazard factors.

The action stops short of an immediate program of removals; administrators emphasized that the matrix is intended to treat homeowners consistently and to identify trees that pose ongoing risks to foundations, sidewalks or underground utilities. Residents suggested relocating future plantings to parks rather than in front of residences. The council did not vote on a removal policy at the meeting but directed Ayer to apply the matrix and report back.

The discussion occurred during the public‑comment portion of the meeting and drew the council’s attention to an item later listed under executive session business concerning tree roots, sidewalks and property maintenance.