Last Thursday Greenwich’s superintendent of Parks & Trees/Tree Warden, Dr. Greg Kramer held a zoom public hearing about a mature Honey Locust tree at 125 Greenwich Ave requested by the owner of Shreve Crump & Low to be cut down because its roots were impacting the sidewalk.
The tree, “Gleditsia Triacanthos” has a DBH (diameter at breast height) of 26 inches.
The tree is in front of Shreve Crump & Low.
First Selectman Fred Camillo testified that the issue with the sidewalk was a trip hazard and urged the tree be replaced.
Kate Dzikiewicz, director of the Greenwich Tree Conservancy, and the former director JoAnn Messina, as well as board chair Peter Malkin all spoke in favor of sparing the tree and figuring out a workaround.
Ms Messina the new Belgian block lined tree wells in the sidewalks all along Greenwich Avenue were a trip hazard.
Ms Dzikiewicz said the Tree Conservancy could assist with expenses of analyzing the tree roots and possibly installing ramps.
Several town residents also urged the tree warden to spare the tree.
Brad Walker who is the manager and owner of Shreve Crump & Low said he would like the tree replaced with a new one.
The tree warden noted he had 3 business days to issue a decision.
On Monday, Dr. Kramer issued his decision, and acknowledged the public feedback during the hearing.
He said that the concerns of sidewalk heaving and property hazards needed to be addressed, and that due to the extent of sidewalk grade changes that may need to occur, curbing replacement, and mentioned sewer drain relocation that he was told would occur, the tree would very likely experience severe physical damage.
“The concerns of sidewalk heaving and property
hazards need to be addressed. Due to the extent of sidewalk grade changes that may need to
occur, curbing replacement, and mentioned sewer drain relocation that I was told would occur,
the tree will very likely experience severe physical damage.”
“I respectfully request that the Engineering Department at the Department of Public Works review the intended remediation area and take into consideration how and if the honey locust tree could be retained in a healthy manner while achieving the goals of safety and property concerns,” he wrote, adding, “I would also request that this be expedited so as to not uphold the scheduled projects on Greenwich Avenue.”
Kramer added, “If after working together with other Town departments and non-profit organizations no reasonable solution is found and the agreement is the honey locust tree’s removal is necessary, the existing tree well is to be retained. It should be made larger, keeping consistent with the other newly enlarged tree wells.”
In addition, Kramer specified that a a Quercus phellos (Willow Oak) of no less than a three-inch caliper be planted back in place.
At that point if anyone objects to Dr. Kramer’s decision, they may appeal their grievance to state superior court in Stamford.
