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Merchantville Shade Tree Commission approves multiple removals, agrees to pay for Green Team seedlings
Summary
At its June 12 meeting, the Merchantville Shade Tree Commission approved several street‑tree removals, agreed to plant a replacement yellowwood in the fall, and voted to cover roughly $80 for New Jersey Forestry Service seedlings requested by the Green Team.
The Merchantville Shade Tree Commission on June 12 approved the removal of several street trees, agreed to a fall replacement planting for a homeowner and authorized a small seedling payment to support a Green Team project.
John Feldan inspected trees at 301 Poplar Avenue and reported three trees in poor condition, including one that was dead. "All three trees will be removed and John will mark them for removal," the minutes state. Brad Knouse and Feldan also inspected a tree at 114 Leslie Avenue and determined it was in poor health; the resident agreed to pay the $300 tree‑replacement fee required by ordinance and the commission approved removal.
Lynn Geddes and Brad Knouse inspected a tree at 32 Franklin Avenue and concluded it was declining but not dead; they recommended pruning and Alice Diamond said she would check the tree again before any further action. Members also noted that a maple planted in a curb strip at 202 Westminster had damaged a sewer line; that homeowner said they will remove and replace the tree.
A separate request for removal at 115 Westminster had already been approved; Lynn Geddes said she would re‑send the authorization form. Christina Kroot reported that a yellowwood tree in front of her property had died; the commission agreed to include a replacement tree in the fall planting list.
Under new business, Geddes moved to approve the May meeting minutes; Brad Knouse seconded and all members voted in favor. The Department of Public Works requested permission to remove a dead tree at 133 Ivins Avenue; the commission approved and Ray Woods said he would notify DPW to proceed.
Keri from the Green Team asked whether the commission would cover a roughly $80 payment to the New Jersey Forestry Service for seedlings. "All were in favor," the minutes record, and the commission agreed to cover the expense.
Members also discussed memorial‑tree requests along the borough bike path and a previously submitted $2,500 tree‑award application that was deemed ineligible because the applicant had received the award within the past five years. John Feldan said he would follow up on a requested quote from ArborPro for a new Community Forest Management Plan, and Alice Diamond said she would follow up with Bartlett Tree Experts about a trimming inspection requested by a Glenwood Avenue resident.
The meeting concluded with assignment of follow‑up items after the addition of a new commission member; the session adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
Votes at a glance: approve May minutes — motion by Lynn Geddes, seconded by Brad Knouse; outcome: approved (unanimous). Approve removal at 114 Leslie Avenue — outcome: approved (resident agreed to pay $300 replacement fee). Approve DPW removal at 133 Ivins Avenue — outcome: approved. Approve removal at 60 W. Chestnut Avenue — outcome: approved. Approve covering seedling payment (~$80) for Green Team — outcome: approved.
