Earlier this week, a reader shared an email exchange he'd had with City Hall. He had complained that the roots of one of the trees at 520 Warren Street had caused the sidewalk to heave, creating a trip hazard, and the soil in the well around the other tree was lower than the sidewalk, causing a different kind of hazard for pedestrians. He called upon the mayor and others in a position to do something about it to correct the situation.
Michael Hofmann, the mayor's aide, responded, assuring the reader that the trees would soon no longer be a problem. As part of the plan for the alterations to make City Hall universally accessible, both trees in front of the building are to be removed.
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Removing trees of that age and good health should be done with much consideration.......they are valuable asset to the City and to City life. Is there not another way to produce access? Perhaps Hudson should get a realistic city forestation plan in order before ripping those two grand old boys and girls out of the street.We may regret it.
ReplyDeleteMaybe the lack of trees there will allow more light to reveal what's going on or not going on in the Mayor's office and elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteIt is time for Hudson City Hall to create and follow a tree replacement pledge: For every tree intentionally removed on city property, one tree will be planted and nurtured elsewhere at the city's expense. Set an example and show that you care about trees, instead of responding with nothing or OH WELL when trees are felled, especially sidewalk trees. B Huston
We already do regret it, by recognizing the thoughtlessness behind it. Hudson needs more trees---many, many more. It would be a different place entirely if the streets had an abundant amount of trees, improving everything, including the environment and general quality of life. This is an important issue, not just an aesthetic detail. The city should be actively planting, not chopping down!
ReplyDeleteSidewalk trees are especially difficult to grow from planting. The odds are stacked against them to mature and thrive on their own. Just go to the 400 and 500 blocks of Union Street to see the proof - all dead or soon to be dead that were planted 4 or 5 years ago after a dumb and ugly idea from the State that our DPW never should have agreed to. Or Galvan's trees around N. 7th and State, all unattended to, ugly and dying. This makes keeping, maintaining and PROTECTING older sidewalk trees all the more critical. That is, if we care about trees, of course.
DeleteI hope that if the trees must indeed be brought down to do the necessary updates to city hall for ADA compliance that we can replace the trees with large caliper trees when the sidewalk is redone. This will not be easy or inexpensive, the sidewalk area at City Hall is heated in the winter and have imbedded heating tubes, plus the utilities are underground on Warren Street.
ReplyDeleteA City Hall with out trees would be sending the "wrong" message about the community tree canopy which is essential for keeping sidewalks, streets and buildings cool.
The city needs a Tree Ordinance and a knowledgeable Tree Board to participate in removal, planting, and planning of trees. As things correctly stand any homeowner may remove a street tree any day of the week with no approval or replacement requirements.
Hilary
Correction: "As things correctly stand any..." should read, "As things currently stand..."
DeleteHilary
Sadly, the community's relationship with City Hall has deteriorated to such a point that there is little reason to trust that City Hall did a rigorous or thoughtful analysis of possible alternatives before deciding on this route.
ReplyDeleteSeems Hudson's citizens have to spend way too much time babysitting their own government.
Or that the Mayor's office would have announced to the public the necessity of, and the reason for, removing the trees BEFORE starting the chainsaw. Because that is what municipalities do that give a crap about important details like much needed trees. No trees, no life.
DeleteIn fairness, responding to a Gossips query is about as official an announcement as you can expect in this town.
DeleteI don't see why you couldn't have a ramp up the side alley and enter the side door, or in the back door. That wouldn't cost millions and the trees could remain undisturbed.
ReplyDeleteHandicap parking in the rear, and entrance on the side of city hall would be ideal, but there are steps and too narrow a walkway along the side of the building. The rear door leads straight to Treasurer's office, I believe, so that's no good.
DeleteI walked over to the site to see the situation for myself. I'm not entirely sure why the trees would have to be removed, and the sidewalks could easily be repaired (but I understand that access is the key consideration.) In any event, from now on, if any large tree is removed, there should be a plan for a replacement. The trees are beautiful and Warren Street needs that. It's also a good business decision. What would Winter Walk be without trees and their lights?
ReplyDeleteVery dreary.
DeleteThose gorgeous trees would want everyone to have access to city hall. They are there to guide all in. Treat them as your family and they will solve your access issue. City hall looks beautiful framed in their glory. Don’t be silly Hudson.
ReplyDeleteCould someone find out what kind of trees are in front of City Hall? A simple iPhone app does it all. From there we can get a professional opinion.
ReplyDeleteKen - It won't matter what type of tree(s) they are, gotta make way for two handicapped spots with ADA ramps. That is what we are being told.
DeleteHi BB - I asked about the type of tree (locust I hear) to see if we could work the sidewalk in a way that won't kill the trees. I am not sure about the root sensitivity of locusts but I will find out. I can't imagine we can't figure this out. The sound a chainsaw anywhere near a healthy tree is sad.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck, Ken, you and the trees are going to need it. B I L L Huston
DeleteIt's Christmas and time to be optimistic. Even trees need peace this time of year.
ReplyDelete