Neighbors request borough postpone project
Several community members are upset about the potential removal of trees along Highland Avenue in the Ambler Borough. Residents say that, while they were told about the upcoming installation of sidewalks around Pickering Fields, no one was aware that the project included tree removal.
The issues came to residents’ attention after a neighbor asked contractors on the site why yellow caution tape was wrapped around specific trees, four in total. A fifth tree, neighbors say, is also included but unmarked at the corner of Highland and Park Avenue.
“The borough plans to cut down five mature shade trees in Pickering Field without public input,” said Yulia Novozhilova, an Ambler resident. “The last thing the neighbors heard by talking to contractors was that the trees would be cut down as soon as tomorrow.”
Many are confused as to why this portion of the project was not discussed at a recent borough meeting, in which the project itself was approved, with no mention in public sessions about tree removal. Borough Council members approved the bid from the Marino Corporation during a June 18 meeting.
“The community was not notified that five mature shade trees will be removed from an Ambler park,” another neighbor told WissNow.com.
Neighbors of the park were given a letter by the Borough.
“Ambler Borough is installing sidewalks along Highland Avenue abutting Pickering Field and replacing the curbs and sidewalks along the North Street side of the park, along with associated handicap curb ramps,” said the communications provided to nearby homeowners. “This work is schedule to begin the week of July 8. The Road will remain open during the project but expect some delays during the construction. This project will take approximately three months to complete.”
No portion of the letter mentions tree removal.
“These trees are far from the intended sidewalk area and should be saved,” said Novozhilova in a message to WissNow. “In other municipalities with a Shade Tree Commission, these trees would be designated as heritage trees. In other municipalities, a sidewalk would be installed around or over roots, to preserve exiting shade trees.”
Novozhilova said there are many reasons, in addition to their age, that she feels the trees should remain.
“Shade trees help cool the town in the summer, reduce stormwater runoff that floods homes, and make our town a more pleasant place to live,” said Novozhilova. “Sidewalks are important, but they can go next to the trees and not on top of them.”
Novozhilova said she is concerned that, should the trees be removed prior to a chance for public opinion, it would be a big loss for the community.
“It will take 50 to 100 years for new plantings to grow as large and provide the shade that the current trees provide,” she said. “The core issue here is the absence of a shade tree commission allows the borough engineer, code enforcement, and highway super intendent, who [all] lack expertise in arboriculture, to make decisions about our trees without consulting an arborist.”
Novozhilova has encouraged all that are concerned to email Ambler’s council members to ask that the trees be saved. She is hoping the project can be postponed long enough to allow residents to speak at the next council meeting, slated for Tuesday, July 16 at 7 p.m.
To reach your borough council members, visit the contact page here.
UPDATE 3:11 p.m.: The borough has issued a statement regarding trees:
"The Ambler Borough Engineer is currently reviewing the plans for construction of the pedestrian sidewalk to make sure that the four trees marked along Highland Avenue that were marked are not removed unnecessarily," said the statement. "One of tree along Highland Avenue is diseased and will be coming down. Any tree(s) that will be removed will be replaced. Ambler Borough prides itself as a town with many street trees for shade and environmental benefits and would not be taking down any trees unnecessarily."
The borough's statement also thanked residents for the concern, and said the trees will not come down tomorrow (July 9).
"Thank you for your all of the residents overwhelming concerns regarding this issue," said the borough's statement. "It is great to see the outpouring of care for trees within the community which the Borough shares. Trees are not scheduled to be removed [July 9] and are currently being evaluated by the Borough Engineer, as was relayed to groups and individuals inquiring last week."
