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Planning board approves DPW tree-trimming plan after resident concerns
Summary
After a public hearing on June 22, 2026, the Town of Greenfield Planning Board approved the Department of Public Works’ tree-trimming plan for the 2026 Road Initiative, following resident concerns about stone walls and traffic speed; the board asked DPW to seek a reduced speed limit and conduct a site walk.
The Town of Greenfield Planning Board voted June 22 to approve the Department of Public Works’ tree-trimming proposal tied to the town’s 2026 Road Initiative after a public hearing with several residents raising concerns about stone walls and traffic speed.
DPW Director Jim Morris presented the plan at 7:00 p.m., saying crews will work only on trees “which are or will become hazardous” and that the department will take care to respect existing stone walls. Michelle Hall, the meeting recorder, said the hearing had been posted at town hall, on the town website and twice in the newspaper.
Several residents spoke against aspects of the work. Richard Miner of 801 Miner Road said he was “very concerned as his home was built in 1808” and that, in his view, “there was too much material removed prior,” and he worried about effects on traffic speed. Morris replied that the rock wall Miner referenced “was not damaged in last year’s project,” acknowledged crews had been closer to the wall than planned, and said he will repost speed-limit signage and ask the select board to reduce the limit to 25 mph.
David Bower of 75 Murdough Hill Road asked what distinguishes a scenic road from a regular road; Morris said scenic roads were designated by past town votes and carry restrictions on maintenance. Heather Miner Bower of 73 Miner Road said sand is pushing her stone wall in places and reported fallen stones; she told the board a site walk was scheduled for June 30 at 11:30 a.m. and said she will retrieve fallen stones.
Board member Jim Fletcher asked whether very steep ditching and stumps would be removed. Morris said the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services advised against stump removal, that DPW does not intend to widen the road but will reshape back slopes for snow management, and that the department will install “Road Narrows” signage when work is finished.
After the public portion closed, the board deliberated. Planning Board member Iris Waitt moved to approve the DPW proposal; George Rainier seconded. The motion passed with a 5-0-1 tally; Jim Fletcher was recorded as abstaining. The board thanked attendees and closed the hearing.
The decision directs DPW to proceed with trimming limited to hazardous trees, to coordinate a site walk for specific property concerns, to repost speed-limit signage and to request a 25 mph limit from the select board. The board’s vote approves the plan as presented; no additional conditions or legal authorities were cited at the meeting.
