A couple of weeks ago, I wrote a letter to city planners regarding the removal of a tree on my block and about the recent story about the removal of 79 mature trees on Bessie Street (“Trees cleared as part of stimulus work,” Page 23, Nov. 21, 2009, Tracy Press). I was quite upset at the new hole in my neighborhood and wanted to get some explanation as to why these actions had been taken.
I was incredibly pleased at the prompt response to my letter by the city. Kimberly Matlock and Don Mason were incredibly responsive and more than happy to answer my questions and give me reasons behind the tree removals. It turns out that the tree on my street was split during the storms last fall and couldn’t be salvaged.
The good news is that the city is going to replant with a different variety of ash tree that isn’t susceptible to disease like the Modesto ash and that it is a faster growing, deep-rooted variety of tree. It won’t be quite the same, but within five or 10 years, it will be a viable source of shade for the neighborhood.
Mr. Mason also expressed his regret that our small neighborhood didn’t get door hangers to let us know what was going on — he said that normally this would occur, unless it were truly an emergency removal.
As for the trees on Bessie, they too will be replanted. A fair number of them were problematic trees to begin with and will be replaced with much more “neighborly” trees that will not impede upon the street, sidewalks or underground infrastructure.
All in all, the feeling I got from the city employees I spoke with was definitely one of regret for having to remove the trees, but also one of looking forward and planning for the future greening of the city. Ms. Matlock is on the Emerald Tracy project and encouraged me to come to the recent meeting and to voice my ideas for Tracy becoming more sustainable and having a better impact on the planet. I encourage everyone else to do the same!
Bravo to the city employees — your speedy responses and willingness to give answers to my questions (and I had plenty) put this new resident’s mind at ease and impressed me.
The city workers I've dealt with in my year plus in town have been wonderful. The utility folks were great, the police dispatchers and officers I've been in contact with have been great...and I have nothing but kudos for the two I mentioned above. All have been caring, compassionate and understanding. That's a pretty good city to me! :-)
oh...and ps...I'm a she. :-)
I thank the letter writing for sharing this story and applaud the City employees named for going the extra mile. See, your efforts ARE appreciated by some of us. KUDOS!