AMHERST — A prominent public shade tree in front of the Jones Library on Amity Street will be removed to allow road and sidewalk improvements in the vicinity to continue.
The linden tree, which measures 22 inches diameter at breast height, can be taken down after the Select Board Monday unanimously OK’d its removal.
Even though the Planning Board in July voted unanimously to remove the tree under the scenic roads bylaw, which mandates hearings for trees in the right of way on roads such as Amity Street — and Tree Warden Alan Snow supported this vote due to structural issues in the tree caused by a large split on one side — two residents filed letters objecting, prompting the matter to come before the Select Board.
Department of Public Works Superintendent Guilford Mooring said work this summer will impact the roots on both sides of the tree, which is already leaning toward the road.
A permanent ramp, replacing a temporary one installed in 2003, will encroach on the tree, and removing and installing new curbs on Amity Street, which is being resurfaced, could add additional complications. A raised crosswalk will eventually allow pedestrians to safely cross from the Amity Street parking lot to the Jones Library.
Mooring assured the Select Board that at least two trees, and possibly up to four, would be planted in the vicinity to compensate for the loss of the linden.
“There’s actually a large area in front of the library open for trees,” Mooring said.
Kate Green of Harlow Drive, who submitted one of the letters of concern about the tree loss, said she is worried about another mature shade tree coming down in town center. Green said she wanted assurances that trees planted would be watered and well cared for.
Vincent O’Connor of Summer Street, who also submitted a letter of concern, contends that the crack in the tree, which he called a “so-called split,” is not genuine and causing the tree no harm.
“I think this tree is not diseased enough to warrant removal,” O’Connor said.
But the Select Board didn’t want to take such a chance, with member Constance Kruger observing she didn’t want to impede the design of the handicapped-accessible ramp and crosswalk or hold up the road work.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
