The Planning Board met on July 8 with Tree Warden Paul Gleason to discuss the removal of trees on the Scenic Roads West Main Street and School Street, and from the property at 119 Ash Street. Ash Street is also a Scenic Road.
The trees on West Main Street and School Street were requested to be moved because Verizon will be moving some of their utility poles to where the trees are now. Although the trees are healthy, they must be taken down so that the poles can be moved. Gleason also stated that if the trees were not taken down, the roots would be cut and pavement would be filled in during the expansion of the intersection. Board Member Claire Wright asked if the trees could be worked around and if the trees would die due to the work that will be done.
"I think that the trees are going to die from both impacts," said Gleason.
Gleason explained that over fifty percent of the tree crowns would have to be cut in order to accomodate the wires, and the recommended amount to take for the tree to survive is no more than twenty-five percent.
Two trees were also requested to be removed at 119 Ash Street by the home owner. Dead wood is falling from the trees into the street and the home owner's driveway, creating a safety hazard.
The Board voted unanimously to have the trees at both sites removed.
