Open Letter to Tree Warden and Planning Board

December 28, 2011

Mr. Jack Donovan

Planning Board, Chair

703 Washington Street

Holliston, MA 01746

Mr. Mark Ahronian

Tree Warden

703 Washington Street

Holliston, MA 01746

Re: Removal of Trees on Bullard Street

Dear Mr. Donovan and Mr. Ahronian,

I am a long-time resident of Holliston, and I am writing to express my concern and objection in regard to the pending decision to remove seven (7) trees tagged on Bullard Street.  I understand that the decision is being considered to enable an industrial solar facility and I respect the need for alternative energy.  However, I do not believe that the benefits of destroying these trees for the solar facility compare favorably to the benefits of keeping these historic trees, their beautiful canopy and the scenic nature of Bullard Street.

Section 9.3 of Holliston’s Scenic Road Regulations grants the Planning Board regulatory authority to preserve all of these trees, several well over 100 years old. These trees are irreplaceable and any decision that allows these trees to be removed and replaced by smaller trees irreparably harms the historical importance and scenic value of Bullard Street.

Further, I object to the removal of more than 35 trees on the eastern side of the stone wall along Bullard Street, not specifically in the public way.  As specified in Article IX (Scenic Road Regulations), Section 9.3, the Planning Board “…regulates work performed on all trees and stone walls on the right-of-way, as well as others that contribute significantly to the scenic qualities of the road.”  These, although not currently tagged most certainly contribute to the scenic qualities of the road and should also be preserved. 

Lastly, this objection is submitted in accordance with MGL Chapter 87, Section 4 which states,

Tree wardens shall not cut down or remove or grant a permit for the cutting down or removal of a public shade tree if, at or before a public hearing as provided in the preceding section, objection in writing is made by one or more persons, unless such cutting or removal or permit to cut or remove is approved by the selectmen or by the mayor.

There are more than 35 trees on the eastern side of the stone wall along Bullard Street that should be considered public shade trees.  These trees should be protected as their canopy is within the public way and they contribute significantly to the scenic qualities of the road.    

I ask the Tree Warden and the Planning Board to deny Syncarpha Solar, LLC and Renewable Energy Massachusetts, LLC’s application to remove these trees, and enforce further restrictions on the public shade trees currently not tagged.

Respectfully,

If you'd like your name here, let me know!