Tree removal continues to irk residents

Published: 6/11/2013 - Updated: 12 hours ago

BY IGNAZIO MESSINA BLADE STAFF WRITER

Many of the trees that once towered over Collingwood Boulevard in the Old West End and Cherrylawn Drive in South Toledo are gone, but that hasn't ended protests from residents irate over city policy they say causes unnecessary tree removal.

Former Mayor Carty Finkbeiner, who several years ago fought plans to clear trees along his street for a reconstruction project, joined a dozen property owners Monday who urged the Bell administration to find creative ways to save trees.

Lets make every effort, as was done on Townley [Road] and Burroughs [Drive], to save those trees, Mr. Finkbeiner said before council's utilities and public service committee.

Earlier this year, the city removed six dozen trees along Collingwood between Ashland Avenue and Monroe Street despite objections from residents and in opposition to a recommendation issued by the federal Advisory Council on Historic Preservation. The advisory panel said the trees' removal would water down the neighborhoods historic flavor for several decades until replacement trees can mature.

David Neuendorff, a Scottwood Avenue resident, told council that property values have dropped because of the tree removal.

"The city has ignored the residents, Mr. Neuendorff said.

City officials said the trees had to go because the project, which includes replacing a 140-year-old water main and rebuilding the street, would damage their roots sufficiently to kill them anyway. Mr. Neuendorff and other critics said rebuilding the street to its current width is unnecessary, and narrowing Collingwood could have saved the trees.

Cherrylawn Drive resident Bill Coine told council he was sickened by the removal of about 120 trees from his street, also eroding neighborhood character. City officials said the trees needed to be cut down to make way for new sidewalks or would otherwise be damaged by the street work.

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Tree removal continues to irk residents