Summit Scheduled in Light of Tree Removals
Developer chops down trees on Port Blvd., upsetting residents.
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The removal of a row of trees alongside a shopping complex on Port Washington Blvd. has left many local residents fuming. Now, they are calling for a town meeting to discuss the issue.
"In this town where people are such environmentalists, you can't take down 18 trees in an hour and think that people aren't really going to notice," said Mindy Germain, executive director of Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington. "It struck such a nerve. I can't tell you how many calls and emails I got."
The trees were chopped down as part of a redevelopment process of the shopping plaza located between Main Street and Campus Drive. Victor Musso, who is heading the redevelopment, says that the tree removal was performed in accordance with New York state law and that he had not violated any rules. Because Port Washington Blvd is a state road, the street trees are not within the authority of the town ordinance.
"We originally had applied to the Town of North Hempstead for a tree removal permit," Musso said. "The town responded in early June with a letter stating that all the trees were within the New York state line of way with that regard to the portion of the sidewalk. The only jurisdiction that has authority to issue a permit for that is the New York State Department of Transportation. We did everything in accordance and by the book."
The tree removal took many of locals by surprise. According to Germain, people are appalled by the lack of communication between the developer and the community. Despite the fact that the removal was conducted in accordance to proper procedure, Port residents say they should also be informed.
"Had the Town ordinance applied, there would have been a mechanism in place for prior community notification and for verifying the health of the trees prior to their removal," said Residents for a More Beautiful Port Washington in a statement.
Musso understands the frustration of some of the residents and intends to work with the community to make any changes he can and to determine which kind of trees would best be suited for the location.
"There are some residents that are upset and I expect that," he said. "I don't take any chances when it comes to trees. I know how sensitive the residents are. We do plan on putting trees back."
In the aftermath, Residents has called a meeting with elected officials from every village, town and state level to address the issues. From the meeting, the organization hopes to determine if any ordinances can be put in place to ensure that the community is well-informed and that there is an evaluation of a tree before its removal.
"We asked anybody that has jurisdiction over any streets on the peninsula to come," Germain said. "It just feels like there wasn't enough procedure in place, and so that's why we are having a meeting. Every one of us is looking forward to it. So far I have had yeses."
Germain said that she also has assurances from State Senator Craig Johnson and Assemblywoman Michelle Schimel, who told her that they will be looking into the incident.
"The governing body thinks it's a great idea and they've thanked the Residents for putting this together," Germain said. "We have to come forward and figure out how to prevent this from happening again."
The summit is scheduled to take place on August 10 at 8:00 a.m. at the Community Chest Board Room.
Go Green
10:41 am on Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Trees are an important component of the natural landscape because of their prevention of erosion and the provision of a weather-sheltered ecosystem. They also play an important role in producing oxygen and reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, as well as moderating ground temperatures. If anyone has an issue with the removal of the trees that roots as deeply as it does with me, DO NOT support any of the businesses that are a part of the re-development of this area. It's the strongest way to make your voice heard. Further, if you are a propsective investor, resident or business owner considering this plot, it is urged you do not consider it any further.
Ben
1:34 pm on Wednesday, July 14, 2010
When I saw the trees comming down my first thought was, where are RFMBPW? Someone dropped the ball here. Someone was asleep at the switch. It will take years for new trees to mature. The glitzy new facade of this property with no trees it looks like a strip mall and NOT or town, Port Washington. This is a disgrace.
knowlengr
6:17 pm on Wednesday, July 14, 2010
The two previous posts have said it well enough, but still I'm furious. This abomination reflects a warped aesthetic that prizes asphalt (exposed by removing tree canopy) over branches, leaves and the magical patterns of light trees draw on the ground and surrounding structures. No doubt some rationale was offered by the architect to the sponsor of this expensive remodeling effort, but the sponsor should have known better. Teachers at Schrieber: are your students getting the message hacked into the suburban landscape only a few hundred feet from the high school's perimeter?
Scott Model
8:20 pm on Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Amazing in matter of one morning that the character of the town was changed for the worse. Not only were some of these Sycamores were over 50 years old, but the NYSDOT had just planted addiitonal trees in 2000. I agree the shopping center needed to be upgraded but the tree removal is an utter travesty. On the poster board of the future comples shows trees and now there is none. I can not say this looks like NYC because the city has trees along the roads. NYC is currently planting over 1 million trees in ten years and Port Washington we are wiping it out. There are no good reasons for the trees removal and now the developer wants to make good after the fact. What ever is planted will take years to grow back, throwing in what I assume will be about a dozen trees that are maybe 12' high at most does not make it right. I will make you a bet at the meeting they are going to say 2 1/2"-3" caliper trees. If they are looking to lessen the impact they should be looking at a 6"-7" caliper tree at the least. This way it is an established tree, but we shall see.
Myron Blumenfeld
7:06 am on Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I believe the Town and the NYS DOT have dual jurisdaiction about the street trees on Port Blvd. Thereforeour Community should demand no less than the town apply its legislation and sue Mr. Musso and demand full justice . The town ordinance has a penalty of I5 DAYS IN JAIL. Nothing less for Mr. Mussob !!!
Bvogel1
9:19 am on Wednesday, July 28, 2010
When you all start paying the taxes for Mr. Musso, I'm sure he will take your crying into account. Most of those trees were hollow inside and were dead. He is putting new trees back. Maybe you all should spend more time worrying about the traffic issues and the high school taxes than a business owner taking care of his property. IT IS A JOKE that a resident even has to pay the TONH money to take down a tree on there on property. You want to save all the trees???? Then go buy every piece of property with a tree on it and leave everyone else alone.....