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Community Corner

Letter to the Editor Regarding Trees in Front of Valley House

Attn. Mr. Tom Richardson, Canton Department of Public Works and Town of Canton, and Collinsville Main Street Community,

I am writing this letter in response to town notices that were posted on the two golden locust trees out front of the Valley House on Main Street in Collinsville.  I own condo # 1B in The Valley House.  I have owned this condo for over a decade, although I am temporarily living out of state and renting my condo.

As a Valley House property owner, Collinsville resident, and Canton tax payer, I am opposed to the removal of the two trees on town/sidewalk property. 

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The two locust trees in front of the Valley House are healthy, beautiful trees.  They provide shade for the front sidewalk/patio area.  This front sidewalk/patio is shared public space where many Valley House residents congregate and entertain friends, family, neighbors, and guests under the shade and beauty of these trees.  In recent years, this public sidewalk area in front of the Valley House has increasingly become a place where the community gathers for parades, arts events, concerts, festivals etc.


I adore the gorgeous golden color of these locust trees in autumn.  I've always felt that their spectacular autumn color enhances the beauty of seasonal community events- such as the Chalk Walk and Collinsville Halloween Parade.  The trees are lovely in any season, even in winter when they are bare and dusted with snow.

Although I understand these trees have no specific “historic” significance, they have become a part our contemporary Main Street character.  They offer an increasing value to our shared community space as Collinsville’s continues to evolve into an arts and culture destination.  These trees enhance the urban charm, curb appeal, and property value of The Valley House.  They enhance the streetscape and offer pedestrian enclosure that helps people to feel comfortable walking on Collinsville sidewalks.

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I understand that some residents feel these locust trees are “messy” because they have a multitude of small, petal-like leaves that can be difficult to rake or sweep up.  I have spent countless hours over the years doing my part to keep the Valley House sidewalk/grounds swept and clean.  I have also shoveled autumn leaves out of the main street gutters/curbs, and composted these leaves.  Upkeep of the grounds, and front sidewalk area of the Valley House is a task I have always enjoyed and taken pride in.

I am also aware that the town is concerned because the roots of these trees have cracked and lifted parts of the town sidewalk.  I have no objection that my tax payer dollars went toward replacing uneven town sidewalk that was damaged by growing roots.  I consider this to be general maintenance of a street scape.  I understand that – (like any urban street scape) plantings need to be pruned, trimmed and generally managed by a certified arborist. 


As a Valley House resident, I am aware there was a vote to remove the three trees on the Valley House property.  I am aware that it was the vote regarding the three trees on Valley House property that led to this subsequent debate about removing the two additional trees on town/sidewalk property. 

While I am in favor of beautifying Main Street and the front garden area of the Valley House, I feel that losing all five trees at once is too drastic.  One fear I have is that even if the trees are replaced with young saplings, it will take at least forty to fifty years for young plantings to grow and provide the same type of shade and beauty- that we already enjoy with the locusts currently standing.

Thus, I ask that the town spare the two trees on the sidewalk, and instead work proactively with an arborist, such as Chris Donnelly in the Urban Forestry Department of the CT DEP, regarding the continued care and management of these trees.

In conclusion, I am a concerned citizen, advocate for Collinsville, The Historic Valley House, and Main Street beautification.  I am grateful that a hearing was scheduled for October 8th regarding the fate of these trees, and that awareness was raised.  I do feel it is a mistake to cut these trees at this time.  It is more important to think carefully, wisely, and act slowly when it comes to decisions about trees- especially trees that impact the character of our evolving town. 


Once cut, these trees will not re-grow overnight.  Removal of these trees and other long term urban landscaping decisions will impact future generations, and future identity of our town. 

Thank you for time reading this letter, my hope is that my comments will at least help to slow the decision making process for cutting these trees, and encourage the town to think more carefully about long term streetscape decisions for Main Street, Collinsville.

 

Sincerely,
Sara Shea

 

            Sara Shea





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