By Richard Kaufman
Despite pleas by residents last week to spare a pin oak located at 235 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich Tree Warden, Dr. Gregory Kramer, announced on Monday that he has approved the removal of the tree, as long as seven new trees are planted on or nearby the Avenue.
A public hearing was held last Thursday on the tree after residents objected to a notice of removal. The tree must be removed to make room for more handicap parking with direct access to the sidewalk as part of the proposed Elm Street/Greenwich Avenue intersection improvement project.
The project, which aims to improve pedestrian and motor vehicle safety, includes the installation of bump-outs, which would extend the curb-line to the edge of the existing parking areas on east/west Elm Street, and the angled parking areas on Greenwich Avenue.
The project also includes the building of a raised intersection, and more green-space and plantings in the area.
“It is my decision and I have concluded that the one pin oak consisting of a diameter at breast height of 16 inches is approved for removal,” Kramer said in his decision letter released on Monday. “However, removal will only be granted to the Department of Public Works with the agreement that in conjunction with the construction improvements at the intersection of Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street, that seven new trees are to be planted on Greenwich Avenue or in close proximity (e.g. intersections to Greenwich Avenue).”
Kramer went on to say that of the seven trees required to be planted, five will be planted into newly created tree wells at locations to be determined, and two trees will be planted into new beds at the intersection of Greenwich Avenue and Elm Street.
All seven trees will be willow oaks, and they will be no less than three inches in caliper. The new tree locations will need to be cited and approved within accordance to the Town of Greenwich tree policy before the pin oak is to be removed.
At least week’s public hearing, Jason Kaufman, Senior Civil Engineer for the Town of Greenwich, said the intersection improvement project will “significantly improve pedestrian and vehicular safety, enhance the intersection with over 1,800 square feet of new green space, and along with other town initiatives, will start to build a sense of place along Greenwich Avenue.”
Several residents asked why handicap parking couldn’t be found elsewhere nearby in order to spare the tree.
“This is the most suitable location for grades to meet ADA code,” Kaufman explained. “In addition to that, this project was granted a limited amount of funding, so if we start to expand this project further to the north, it increases the cost of the project as well.”
Resident Lucy Krasnor called the pin oak a “particularly beautiful and substantial tree” that provides a nice streetscape as you come down Greenwich Avenue.
“Without it, there would be a grand, empty space. I don’t think we want that. I think with every project in town lately, all anyone’s thinking of is removing trees, and I’m very upset about that,” she said.
Kramer noted that the pin oak was observed to be in declining health, but not in imminent danger as the life expectancy is uncertain at the moment. He said that the tree could use an influx of fertilization, but he did not know if that would ultimately save the tree from further decline.
John Conte, a landscape architect and Connecticut licensed arborist, is also a member of First Selectman Fred Camillo’s Greenscape Committee and the vice-chair of the town’s Architectural Review Committee.
He praised DPW for the project, and called it a “wonderful upgrade” to the very busy intersection.
“But I’d also like to be a very strong advocate for working around this tree, and really plead with our engineering department and with really every town department that has a project that intersects with a tree, and ask that we really start to just change the mindset and change the paradigm of designing and drawing,” Conte said. “If a tree just happens to be in the way, say, ‘Well, that tree gets a red X on it.’ We really have to start designing around these trees. There are so few left.”
Stephanie Cowie is the vice-chair for Camillo’s Advisory Committee for People with Disabilities, and spoke in favor of the tree removal last week.
Cowie, a recent paraplegic who requires the use of a wheelchair at all times and a specially outfitted van for transportation, said that when she travels around town, she notices that most handicap spaces aren’t accessible or as compliant as many people think.
“The proposed design will provide greater safety for those who enter this intersection, from pedestrians to drivers alike. This design is the best when it comes to urban planning,” she said.
Cowie spoke about the high stress level of maneuvering around parking spaces and intersections in a wheelchair, but said working with DPW on the project has given her hope and peace of mind for the future.
“This proposed design of the Elm Street intersection provides me a sense of comfort knowing that when I park, I no longer have to roll my wheelchair into oncoming Greenwich Avenue traffic. I will now be able to access the sidewalk and crosswalk safely in a space that is to code, and the proximity of the intersection is equally important for anyone with a disability,” she said.
“The design prioritizes and facilitates pedestrian and driver safety at the intersection with the bumpouts, and ADA parking and additional green space on the Avenue. While I understand the feelings of those wanting to preserve the tree, I wish to preserve this Elm Street redesign due to the safety and accessibility that it will provide for so many people, especially those who may have mobility issues like me.”
About 2-3 weeks would be needed per corner for construction, with a total of 8-12 weeks estimated for the project. Work could begin in mid-March, weather permitting.
