AMHERST — A number of trees standing in the way of a mixed-use development, including a large northern catalpa, can be removed from two properties in the East Amherst village center.
Town Manager Paul Bockelman, who was given the final say on the fate of the trees based on two letters of objection from residents, recently gave the go-ahead for the trees at 133 and 143 South East St. to be cut down. The properties are where developer Amir Mikhchi is planning a three-story, L-shaped building that will feature commercial space for two retail stores totaling 1,200 square feet on the ground floor and 62 residential units.
Bockelman said his decision was based on the opinion offered by Tree Warden Alan Snow.
“It mirrors the tree warden’s reasoning,” Bockelman said.
Snow told the Planning Board in August that his goal is to maintain a healthy and balanced tree canopy with diverse specimens and age classes, and to recognize when trees are in decline. The catalpa had large wires supporting its major limbs.
The Planning Board also voted 5-1 in support of removing the trees, though the Public Shade Tree Committee voted against their removal.
Two letters of objection were filed, one from Merrylees Turner of Old Town Road and the other from Mary Hoyer of Woodlot Road, forcing Bockelman to be the final arbiter.
Turner said she was never consulted by the town manager and that the decision comes as the Town Council is struggling with policies about climate change that trees could be lost.
“They cost little and rebuild themselves. They are a natural climate solution and should be protected,” Turner said.
Mikhchi will have to compensate the town for losing the trees. The catalpa, which measures 42 inches diameter at breast height, will require a payment of $3,780, a 24-inch diameter spruce will mandate a payment of $2,160 and a 14-inch diameter crabapple will force a payment of $1,260.
