HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/27/2020 Item 4, French
Wilbanks, Megan
From:J FRENCH <
To:Advisory Bodies
Subject:Tree committee July 27, 2020; #4, 3948 Hollyhock
I support my neighbor’s application to remove a pine tree in the rear of their property.
The tree is on a slope inclined toward both our houses and presents physical hazard to our homes.
The area along the railroad where this tree is located is popular camping area for homeless. In fact one is tent camping
~100’ south of this tree in the East Fork creek area. A similar camper started a fire in that area just a few years ago. Fuel
reduction is important.
In the 1980’s the City intended this lane to provide railroad access for fire protection, but subsequent subdivisions
provided safer and more direct railroad access & the City notified the HOA it didn’t need the fire lane. Last year the HOA
amended its bylaws to rid itself of the financial burden of fire lane maintenance and notified the individual property
owners they were henceforth fully responsible for the area. Since then the ten owners have tidied up long deferred
maintenance. The owners on both sides of the McBrides (French & Duval) have removed 5 similar trees after the City
determined removing them would promote good arboricultural practice; would not harm the neighborhood character;
or reduce hardship.
In summary the McBride pine tree is a hardship due to fire and fall risk and it’s removal would be good arboriculture and
consistent with the neighborhood character.
Finally, there are several juvenile oak trees on the McBride property that would benefit from removal of this
domineering pine tree.
Please approve the subject permit.
JDF/iPX
Txt:8054404027
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