Fallen Aleppo pines on North Pass Street. Photo by Michelle Speak
North Niagara Street residents are outraged by the upcoming citywide removal of 121 Aleppo pines. A petition was created on change.org that has garnered over 600 signatures to date because it disagrees with the city’s reforestation plan.
“The local residents were unaware that this was a discussion the city of Burbank was having about our street. “We were not part of the conversation, nor were we asked to convene a town hall to discuss the trees after recent rains downed two trees, one of which fell on my vehicle,” the petition, written by Dyane MacKinnon, reads . February’s storms toppled a handful of giant Aleppo pines in North Niagara, Kenwood and Burbank’s Pass Street.
In the petition, MacKinnon argues that real estate agents are telling residents their homes will lose 10% of their real estate value after the mature trees are removed because it will lose the cohesive appearance of the current tree-lined street. “We pay taxes to tend the trees, and because the City of Burbank has outsourced tree tending, the trees are looking bare and the health of the trees is at risk,” MacKinnon said in the petition.
A representative from the city of Burbank responded to myBurbank’s questions about tree felling, explaining that many factors of the Burbank city forest were considered, including public safety. “These trees have a natural life cycle and unfortunately, prolonged drought conditions have impacted their health and stability, and recent storms have weakened them even further, as evidenced by falling branches and trunks.”
Fallen Aleppo pines on North Pass Street. Photo by Michelle Speak
The city says that while the Aleppo pines are majestic, they have outgrown the residential areas they inhabit and the long-term safety and well-being of the community must be considered. Replacement trees were selected that prioritized resilience, adaptability and adaptation to local climatic conditions.
“New trees will not only add to the aesthetic appeal of our community, but also help clean our air, increase energy efficiency, manage stormwater runoff, moderate temperatures, reduce noise pollution and provide a nurturing habitat for local wildlife.” create,” said the city representative. “The tree envelope symbolizes a new beginning for our community – a transition to a safer, greener and more sustainable urban landscape that we can all be proud of.”
Local residents who will be affected by the removal have been informed of the reforestation strategy and the Parks and Recreation Department will be delivering door hangers a week before the work is completed. The project is planned in phases starting in September this year and ending in July 2024.
North Niagara residents spoke to local news stations and attended a sustainability committee meeting to voice their concerns about the city. “The trees have been here longer than the houses,” Erik Torppe said on the petition’s website. “There is so much greenery and life in the trees. That is not OK.”
During the February storms, three fallen Aleppo pine trees lay atop a block on the North Pass between Edison Blvd and Jeffries Ave, tearing up sidewalks, destroying cars and homes, and cutting off water supplies to local residents. The city said it reviews and responds to all damage claims related to damage caused by trees on an individual basis. The Public Works Department will process removal requests if the sidewalk is damaged, requires trimming, or if the tree affects the sewer infrastructure. Burbank Water and Power responds to tree removal requests when the tree is affecting water infrastructure.
myburbank.com
https://myburbank.com/residents-protest-against-the-citys-upcoming-removal-of-121-aleppo-pine-trees/
