Three tree cut applications came before the Planning Commission at the Feb. 27 meeting, and commissioners were not sure why. Commissioner Susan Harman was first to ask, “Why are we dealing with this?” She wanted a written clarification of the apparent change in policy, which now puts tree cuts on Planning’s agenda. New commissioner Theodore Cottingham also wondered why, since Building Inspector Bobby Ray had already stated in emails to city hall which trees were candidates for removal, these applications were before them.
Dean Fanning of Fanning Tree Service represented all three cuts. He said a walnut tree at least 25 years old at 275 N. Main was probably 85 percent dead and a potential danger. He agreed with Ray the tree should come down, and commissioners – convened as the Board of Zoning and Adjustment – voted to approve the application.
Fanning said two trees in front of 165 Spring had been planted between the curb and the sidewalk, and he suspected the reason for the sidewalk being replaced in that area was tree roots buckling it from beneath. He said the trees were rotting and contained plenty of dead wood. That cut was also approved.
Also approved was the application for cutting down a tree at 160 Spring, which Fanning said was leaning and too close to a structure.
Chair Ann Sallee said she would speak with Mayor Butch Berry about the change in policy and get clarification.
Signing up for it
Sallee had mentioned previously it had come to her attention that City Code has no requirement for notification to be posted for new commercial construction. This has prompted citizens to make comments about impending construction of tourist lodging in a commercial zone on Judah St., directly adjacent to a residential neighborhood. Her question was whether Code should require a sign be posted giving nearby residents a chance to voice opinions.
City Economic Development Coordinator Glenna Booth said the city has a generic information sign, which could be posted voluntarily, that would preclude a legislated change in Code. The sign could inform citizens of when they could make comments.
Harman asked if keeping the sign posting as voluntary and not by ordinance might be forgotten or neglected by future city officials, but Sallee suggested commissioners review existing City Code and continue discussion at the March 13 meeting.
Landscaping and developments
Commissioner Tom Buford told commissioners he has attended workshops on issues related to new construction, including the recent Low Impact Development workshop in Eureka Springs, and most of the discussion centered around new developments such as those springing up along the I-49 corridor. There is not much space left in Eureka Springs for development, he noticed, so most of the conversations did not apply locally except for tying aspects of LID with the landscape ordinance.
Booth mentioned there was work to be done on the section in City Code on parking lots that includes landscaping requirements, and Buford added they could also focus on using LID principals to control rainwater runoff.
Next meeting will be Tuesday, March 13, at 6 p.m.