QUINCY—On Wednesday, Mayor Linda Moore informed the Quincy Tree Commission that she is prioritizing trees.
However, she politely requested that they carefully weigh the available types when the city has its fall tree planting program, which enables citizens and business owners to buy trees for public parkways.
Mayor Moore started by saying, “We have a lot of trees that were planted 50 to 100 years ago, and they have become a problem for the sidewalks, streets, and sewers.”
A total of 400 trees have been identified and are on a list with Quincy Central Services, according to Mayor Moore. According to her, the issues range from needing to be trimmed to posing various threats in their frail or dying state.
The mayor warned people to think about what the trees will look like in fifty years. You are aware of what is best. Simply select choices that will be viable in fifty to one hundred years.
The mayor was reassured by Chair Jan Leimback that her challenges were taken into consideration.
Leimback reaffirmed that there exist standards. A street tree and a park tree are not the same thing. Now that we are aware of the issues, we can go on with this newfound understanding.
The commission hopes that the planting program will recover from last year’s decline of participation.
According to Jason Parrott, the director of planning for Quincy City, just 75% of the trees were bought. He was unable to confirm whether the $50 charge increase to $100 was the cause.
Only 27 of the 36 trees that were up for sale were sold.
According to Parrott, interest appeared to be declining overall. Considering that they didn’t have folks show interest and then gripe about the cost.
Everyone who showed out bought a tree, Parrott informed the commission. No one left. Simply put, fewer individuals are entering. This previous time, it was simply not getting them to come in.
Members of the commission then began debating whether the range of trees available was the main cause of the issue. Over the last three years, the list has remained unchanged.
However, choosing something attractive isn’t the sole consideration. It also depends on the tree’s size and if future sidewalk damage would result from root growth.
Divergent views exist on the right-of-way or the separation between the sidewalk and the curb. Some people believe it must be five feet or more. Some claim that there are instances where sidewalk loosening does not occur over a shorter distance.
According to Parrott, properties without sidewalks have more wiggle room.
After conducting their own study, the commission members ultimately decided to have another special meeting in two weeks.
Each member will return with their best three recommendations, and the winning ones will be voted on, just like Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences members do.
Additionally, the committee must determine whether to allow bids for the purchase of the selected trees and assign city workers to plant them. Or whether a commercial company will be executing the planting as part of the bids.
Jeffrey Conte, the director of utilities, stated that while crew training may be required, it is feasible this year and beyond.
Conte said, “We’ll make the time.” Additionally, increase funding for forestry in the budget for the next year. Recall that the current budget was passed down to the mayor (Moore).
