Residents praise cleanup after microburst and press board on tree canopy, leaf‑blower policy

A series of residents at the Board of Commissioners meeting on July 15 praised township Parks & Rec and Public Works for rapid cleanup following a recent microburst, while urging the board to prioritize tree canopy replacement and to consider stronger incentives for residents to plant replacement trees.

Craig, a local business owner, cited the Bartlett Tree Canopy Plan and said the township’s Shade Tree Division is responsible for public trees but that most trees are on private property. Adrienne Seltzer thanked crews for reopening roads and clearing hazards in her neighborhood. Tina Pack and other commenters urged that commercial corridors such as Bala Avenue (referenced in comments) be made more visible to prospective tenants as part of revitalization efforts.

Online commenter Joseph Abramson said the township’s temporary pause in enforcing the gas‑powered leaf‑blower ban during the cleanup shows the policy and available equipment are not yet ready for extreme events, and he urged better protected bike lanes in areas that now rely on mixed traffic. Commissioner Courtney and other commissioners responded that the ordinance includes an emergency exception allowing the township manager to permit gas‑powered equipment for situations such as this storm response and that the temporary lift aimed to clear roads and properties quickly.

Commissioners repeatedly praised staff response as “remarkable” and said any adjustments to the leaf‑blower phase‑out policy would be considered as the township gains experience. Residents asked for a traffic‑safety study where congregation activities may increase pedestrian flows (a concern that was later reflected in conditions attached to the 223 N. Highland Avenue approval).