Members of the Planning Commission heard some criticism from the public about a decision made in August that granted permission to remove a maple tree at 20 Armstrong St.
At the Sept. 9 meeting, Steph Gordon-Glassford began the public comments period saying she spoke “on behalf of many residents in town in regards to the beautiful maple tree at 20 Armstrong.” She said the tree’s roots do not threaten the foundation, and attributed cracks to differential settling.
Gordon-Glassford said she had similar settling problems at her own house. She said a metal root barrier would solve any future problems, and asked commissioners to pursue a further evaluation of the tree. Gordon-Glassford asked to reinstate former requirements for an expert evaluation before issuing a tree-cut permit.
The commissioners did not review their previous decision, but Chair Fergie Stewart added a comment at the end of the meeting. He objected to characterizations on social media which suggested underhanded dealings to obtain the tree-cut approval. Stewart urged citizens to bring their comments to the meeting instead of social media.
Applications for two other tree-cuts were on the agenda. An application to remove a tree at 314 Spring St. was approved for Mark Gault. Aaron Grogan, with Apex Arborculture, explained that a tree had previously fallen against the tree in question, causing it to lean toward the house. A letter from Building Official Paul Sutherland accompanied the application and agreed with the owner’s assessment.
Matthew Hamilton represented owner Mary Tait with a request to remove a hackberry tree at 21 White St. The tree has grown into power lines. Sutherland agreed that the tree should be removed because of its location. He also said the tree is not healthy. The application had listed two trees, but only one was planned for removal. After determining that a postponement would not cause any difficulties, the commissioners postponed a decision pending a corrected application.
In other business:
- Victoria Dansby applied to transfer a Conditional-Use Permit at 60 Hillside Ave. for five bed-and-breakfast units. The transfer was approved, along with Dansby’s request for a home occupation permit as a licensed massage therapist. Dansby explained that she only plans to offer massage services to guests.
- The agenda for Oct. 14 will include a discussion on sexually oriented businesses. Commissioner Susan Harman had asked if city codes mentioned this subject. She said some cities require applicants to specify their intentions for a business, and city officials can then decide on appropriate locations.
- The October agenda will also include further discussion of a proposed ordinance on fences. That discussion was postponed from this meeting because of the absence of commissioner David Buttecali, who had initiated the discussion on this. The October agenda will also continue a discussion on metal buildings.
- Commissioner Scott Price had asked in August about the possibility of assessing fines against the owners of vacant storefronts. He said such properties look bad, and the city loses tax revenue. At last week’s meeting, Price said several aldermen and the city attorney had suggested that would not be feasible.