Judy James is worried about trees.
Last week, she emailed the Planning and Zoning Commission (with a cc to the Historic District Commission).
Judy — a longtime Westporter — expressed her “dismay at the lack of concern for the preservation of trees when presented with development plans within our commercial districts.” She referred to plans for Bedford Square — the YMCA-area complex — that eliminates mature trees on Church Lane.
A tree in front of the “Gunn House” (35 Church Lane) that will probably not survive the Bedford Square project.
“Replacement landscaping with grasses and small trees that won’t reach maturity until most adult residents have passed is simply not acceptable. Commercial owners who have the privilege of living and developing one of the most desirable downtown locations in the northeast should accommodate the retention of their town’s living history,” she said.
Referencing the removal of sycamores earlier this year at the site of the former Brook Cafe, she urged the P&Z to “not approve this project and just let ‘staff’ decide at a later date what would be acceptable landscaping…. As many of these mature trees as possible must be retained.”
Another possibly endangered tree — this one in front of the YMCA.
David Waldman is developing Bedford Square into stores, apartments and offices. I asked him to respond.
David said:
I am familiar with the letter and understand her position. Unfortunately, in order to accommodate the need for underground parking, wider pedestrian- friendly tree-lined sidewalks, street lamps and more importantly the already fully approved design and site plan by the HDC and Architectural Review Board, the trees will have to be removed.
We will add 16 new trees (clearly not as old and mature as the 6 that exist on the sites today), but in a quantity much greater than exists today. In addition, there will be numerous planting beds, landscape planters, benches, public art, public parks and gathering spaces, pedestrian passages from Elm, Church, Post and Main and much more.
The proposed intersection of Church Lane and Elm Street. David Waldman says, “I understand these renderings show the trees after year of growth. It is our intention to plant appropriately sized trees in the beginning, not saplings or tiny ones.”
As developers we always try and retain as much history as possible. We have shown this in our current plan to retain the historic Bedford mansion and firehouse, as well as the work I have done with Patagonia, Urban Outfitters and Spotted Horse.
When we built the Spotted Horse, we removed 5 -6 very large tress and no one said a peep. Hopefully, the end result will be something all of Westport can be proud of.
A rendering of Church Lane. The Spotted Horse is at the left; the former YMCA is on the right.
Our team and all the commissions we have obtained approvals from to date are very pleased and proud with the new design that we (developers, residents, commission, HDC, ARB and many other groups) have collectively created. We feel by listening to all those interested groups, we have come up with a much better project.
Certainly, the Spotted Horse has added both energy and architectural spirit to Church Lane.
Plans for the rest of the area — including widening Church Lane and its sidewalks, and “fixing” its tough intersection with the Post Road — show plenty of greenery. True, it’s not all “mature” — but isn’t part of the problem with downtown that it’s a bit long in the tooth?
” …but isn’t part of the problem with downtown that it’s a bit long in the tooth?”
No, that’s the charm of downtown Westport — and it’s rapidly disappearing.
Young trees can look great too. Planning for the future with well chosen trees is great. My mom fought hard to save a mature sugar maple next to her agency on Main Street … Marti French/ Village Realty. The construction next door damaged the root system and the tree eventually had to be removed anyway.
With all these plans developing it seems the least concern should be whether some mature trees should be kept. Judy James’ concerns are appreciated but way too idealistic, and like has already been mentioned, new plantings will be done. Should a tree stand in the path of progress and development? Absolutely not!
Seems to me that the bigger problem with tree removal in Westport isn’t the one or 2 on Main Street, but the clear-cutting of wooded areas all over town to make room for huge houses and lawns. This deforestation is happening on virtually every block. It is changing the look of our neighborhoods, creating increased storm run-off and flooding of neighboring properties, and reduces the natural habitat of our resident wildlife. Perhaps this is worthy of a discussion too?
There is certainly a difference between “mature” and “long in the tooth.” I wouldn’t say those trees are the latter, although the YMCA building certainly is. Does the change in the building really preclude keeping the trees?
Not all trees that are planted should stay, but at the very least, there should be a discussion. Mature healthy trees signify stewardship, wealth, and aesthetic appreciation. Both “mature” and “healthy” add value.
Come to think of it, I’m still wondering where some of those trees went on Main St after Sandy.
Keep up the good fight Judy! You won’t win all of them, but you will help the town in the process.
David Waldman and his partners have made considerable efforts to satisfy as many competing interest groups that have chimed in during the ongoing review process for Bedford Square. Although, trees are crucial in so many ways, sometimes there is just no way to avoid removing them. I do however think that a lot of house builders and developers clear cut the land excessively and as far as Main Street is concerned…that was just a bad and sneaky decision that seems to have fallen into the category of …”If a tree falls on Main Street…does anyone really hear it”?
Even if some of the trees were left in place, they probably wouldn’t survive the upheaval of the construction around them. The ARB requested that the Fairfield County Bank leave at least one of the mature trees on their property at the corner of the Post Rd and S. Compo but it bit the dust within a couple of years of construction. If possible though, it’s always worth the effort.
I like David Waldman and hate to correct him but people not only peeped but squawked about the tree removal for the spotted horse development. I even read about it on this 06880 site. (possibly in comments if not an article). Many Westport residents want more trees; David says he will plant them. I’ll certainly take his word. As a local developer, his goal is to make Westport great. He strives to serve our community.
The town lost hundreds of mature trees during the last two years due to storm damage. There are plenty of public spaces left barren and filled with stumps. Maybe instead of plantings in “downtown”, anyone interested can find some of the recently damaged public areas and contribute. A tree can be beautiful in town or 5 miles away.
Bye, bye ole Westport.
This breaks my heart. The trees are so beautiful. So many changes, and all too sad. I just read that even Sally’s place is closing. So very very sad, the end of an era.