The Board of Zoning Adjustment approved removal of a large pine tree at 101 Emporia St. when Marlene Coiner attended the Oct. 22 Planning meeting after Building Inspector Bobby Ray rejected her initial application.
Coiner said the tree is leaning toward a neighbor’s house. During her 20 years at that residence, she said the problem “seems to be getting worse,” and rainy weather this summer has increased her concerns.
Commissioner Tom Buford said he had looked at the “large, beautiful tree,” and wished Coiner had some pictures to show whether the tree has leaned more over the years. Since her lot is higher than the neighbor’s, Buford said he would be more willing to agree with the tree cut.
Commissioner LauraJo Smole said the pictures show the tree in question growing close to other large trees and suggested that removing the pine might benefit the other trees. Coiner said, “I want to save trees, too,” and pointed out the number of trees on her lot. Commissioners voted 4-0 to approve her application.