Ridgewood May 20, 2009 THE VILLADOM TIMES II • Page 3 Council reassures citizen about fate of trees by John Koster Ridgewood Mayor David Pfund and Deputy Mayor Keith Killion concurred with resident Boyd Loving that a lot of the trees on Ridgewood Avenue are worth saving – and resolved some of Loving’s concerns about markings indicating that the trees had already been targeted for removal. “Because they were tagged does not mean they were all going to be cut down,” Killion told Loving, “Quite the contrary.” Loving, who seldom misses a council meeting, said that when he was exiting a restaurant the previous week, he noticed that a large number of shade or ornamental trees in Ridgewood’s shopping and restaurant district had been tagged, apparently in preparation for an ordinance introduced at last week’s public meeting. “I looked left and I looked right and it appeared that almost every tree on Ridgewood Avenue between North Broad Street and Maple Avenue had been tagged,” Loving said. “Why are we removing large healthy trees from Ridgewood Avenue?” Killion explained that while a large number of trees had been tagged, these trees were being designated for evaluation and not for removal. He said that trees that appeared to be in bad shape would be taken out and replaced by trees with roots that penetrated the soil in depth rather than in width, reducing concerns abut roots that buckle the sidewalk in the shopping district. Loving said that based on the tagging he observed, it looks as if 45 of the 90 trees on Ridgewood Avenue and the vicinity were slated for replacement. He contacted Ridgewood officials, including Village Engineer Christopher Rutishauser and Parks and Recreation Director Tim Cronin, for a re-evaluation, and said they had been cordial and cooperative. “I’m concerned that if my e-mail hadn’t hit your desk, 50 percent of the trees in Ridgewood would have been removed,” Loving said. Pfund, thanking Loving for his concern, said 28 trees had been considered for replacement, but many had been spared. The designated total was 11 trees to be removed and replaced, either because they were moribund or because they were too big to fit into the new streetscape plan, intended to make downtown Ridgewood safer for pedestrians and motorists. He explained, in response to Loving’s question, that trees that buckle suburban sidewalks are essentially shade trees and that their intrusion into the pavement is considered in a somewhat different light than the ornamental trees in the commercial zone. The ordinance as introduced appropriates $500,000 for reconstructive work on Ridgewood Avenue and side streets, including brick print crosswalks, ADA-compliant ramps, tree well lighting, the replacement of designated trees, and purchase and installation of light pole brackets. The ordinance will be heard on June 10 at which time it will be considered for adoption. HARDSCAPE & MASONRY • Patios & Walls • Stonework • Pool Decks • Driveways • Steps • Full Masonry In Home PERSONAL TRAINING • Flexible Scheduling • Nutrition Guidance • Sports Specific Training • Men, Women, Children & Couples With Brad 201-847-2552 Lic. #13VH02631200 Owner Operated email: drew1068@optonline.net “Since 1989” Lose 20 lbs in 10 Weeks Insured Degreed & Certified For Free Consultation call: TONE UP/LOSE FAT/ FEEL GREAT 201-925-0381