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New Castle tree commission tables two permit requests, declines one and recommends pruning for a sidewalk sycamore
Summary
At a regularly scheduled meeting the New Castle Tree Advisory Commission tabled two permit applications for further verification, declined one application for a private‑property tree, and recommended pruning of a sycamore in a sidewalk tree pit. A 6th Street resident urged pruning rather than removal.
The New Castle Tree Advisory Commission on Monday reviewed four city tree permit applications, voting to table two for more information, decline one because the tree is on private property, and recommend pruning of a sycamore growing in a sidewalk tree pit.
The commission heard a public comment from Jayco Plant, a 6th Street resident, who said he had submitted a pruning permit and wanted only branches trimmed away from his roof. "I just needed pruning back from my house," Plant said, adding, "I do not want them to completely remove the tree at all." The chair replied that commissioners would address the application at the next meeting after staff verified the paperwork.
Why it matters: The decisions show how the commission applies its limited authority: it can recommend pruning and handle city trees but not direct action on trees clearly located on private property. Commissioners repeatedly sought to avoid approving removals when pruning would resolve a homeowner complaint.
On the agenda the commission tabled application 202606 (301 West 7th Street) after a site check found three Italian cedars already planted on private property; members voted to delay action while staff verifies whether the planted trees match the permit request. The commission declined application 202607 (3 William Penn Square) after members determined the tree in question stands behind houses on private property and is therefore not a city tree. Application 202608 (Renee Russo) was tabled to confirm whether the applicant sought pruning of a single branch near a window or a larger pruning for wire clearance; commissioners asked staff to clarify the request with the applicant.
By contrast, application 202609 for a sycamore at 17 East 2nd Street — a tree located in a sidewalk pit — drew a recommendation that the public works department prune the tree to relieve minor encroachment on a porch. The chair moved the recommendation; the motion was seconded and approved by a recorded "aye" vote.
Next steps: The record shows 202606 and 202608 will return to the commission after verification, 202607 was declined and closed, and staff was asked to forward the 202609 pruning recommendation to public works.
