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Homeowner seeks retroactive variance after removing eight mature trees at Andrews Road lot
Summary
At its May 20 meeting, the Willistown Township Planning Commission heard a retroactive variance request from homeowner Marcel Sleiman after he removed more than 25% of trees on his 8 Andrews Rd property; commissioners asked for an arborist‑prepared site plan and no action was taken.
Marcel Sleiman asked the Willistown Township Planning Commission on May 20 for a retroactive variance (Z‑06‑26) after removing more than the 25% of trees allowed under the Township ordinance from his wooded lot at 8 Andrews Rd. Sleiman told the Commission he removed eight trees, saying some were dead or dying and posed a safety hazard to his children, and that he intends to replant multiple 5‑inch‑caliper trees that would exceed the Township’s replanting requirements.
Commission members expressed disappointment that the trees were removed before an application was filed. Commissioner William Shoemaker asked Sleiman for records documenting the number and caliper inches of trees removed; Sleiman provided photographs and other information but the Commission noted inconsistencies between some health descriptions and the photos. Commissioners discussed possible enforcement and post‑removal remediation measures, including whether a stormwater management plan should be required.
Several neighbors spoke during public comment, describing habitat loss and lasting effects on wildlife. Rich Apostol of 7 McKinley Ave asked which trees remained and inquired about the workers on the site. Monica Kulaski of 9 Shepherd Rd said the woods were a frog habitat. Mike and Diane Malley of 13 Long Ln raised concerns about owl, frog and woodpecker habitat and said some effects would be permanent. John Dodds of 6 Andrews Rd asked where the timber was taken and requested the Township reassess the trees remaining on the property. Diana Sorial of 8 Andrews Rd urged the neighbors to give Sleiman the benefit of the doubt and noted his stated intention to replant. Randy Moyer of 22 Harvey Ln asked how the Township could prevent similar removals in the future.
The Commission asked Sleiman to return with a more detailed site plan prepared by an arborist showing the number of trees removed, location, status and caliper inches, and a more detailed replanting plan. No formal action was taken at the meeting.
