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Tree Commission urges preservation of mature tree in ODOT Main/Chillicothe project
Summary
The Plain City Tree Commission asked the Ohio Department of Transportation and village staff to preserve a mature tree threatened by a proposed Main Street/Chillicothe Street reconfiguration, while staff confirmed a splash pad is not part of the project scope and public comments will be submitted to ODOT for review.
Christy Syfert, chair of Plain City’s Tree Commission, told the Village Council on Nov. 24 that the commission has submitted a formal statement to the Ohio Department of Transportation urging preservation of an existing mature tree near the proposed Main Street and Chillicothe Street reconfiguration. Syfert said the commission’s statement, a copy of which was provided to Clerk Justin Dreier, encourages ODOT and the Village to pursue “all efforts possible” to save the tree and protect Bicentennial Park.
Tree Commission member Tim Miklasiewicz, who described his professional background in plant sciences during public comment, told council members he believes the tree is healthy and is likely to outlive many newly planted replacements that must contend with poor soil in recent residential developments. Miklasiewicz also said he opposes a splash pad feature for safety reasons; Mayor Jody Carney and staff later confirmed that a splash pad is not proposed for the project scope and that only a minor water feature such as a fountain might be included.
Mayor Carney thanked the commission for its input and encouraged residents to submit comments to ODOT through the public-comment channels. Village Administrator Haley Lupton said all public comments will be compiled and provided to ODOT, the project consultant, and Village staff for review once the comment period closes.
Why it matters: The Main/Chillicothe reconfiguration directly affects Bicentennial Park, a public recreational asset. The Tree Commission’s request highlights trade-offs between roadway improvements and preservation of mature urban canopy that provides shade, ecosystem services and community character.
What’s next: Public comments will be compiled by village staff and forwarded to ODOT and the project consultant. Council did not take a formal vote on the commission’s statement during the meeting.
