When I saw the crew with the crane working there on 7/12/16, I made the obviously incorrect assumption that they were removing only the big oak in the front. This is very, very sad. If this is allowable by the tree ordinance, then it seems clear it needs to be revisited, indeed.

I think contact person would be India Woodson, Landscape Infrastructure Coordinator (India.Woodson@decaturga.com).

Google street view from November 2014 shows what has been lost.

Decatur Public Works - A Jackson assigned this issue to India Woodson City Arborist

The City's Arborist has checked this work and compared it to the record set of plans. The work is compliant with the City's tree canopy conservation plan.

This issue has been addressed.

The property in question had four large, mature trees, all of which have been cut down. There is a medium sized tree remaining at the back of the lot and some smaller ones along the right side. There is also a bit of overhanging canopy from adjacent lots. The appearance is that almost all of the existing canopy is gone even if they are technically in compliance. The removal of the largest oak tree on a small rise at the back of the lot seems particularly egregious; there should have been plenty of buildable area available without removal of that tree.

I would like to come in at an appropriate time to review the plans to understand more clearly how the tree canopy is calculated. My larger point was that if this lot is in compliance then perhaps we should revisit that part of the ordinance. Every person in the neighborhood that I talked to believed that this was a violation (or should be).

I would also like to take a look at plans for 215 Fairview if they are available since the same level of tree removal on that adjacent lot will make the situation significantly worse.

See my last comment submitted yesterday.

Mr. Adair:
It would be fine for you to visit the office and review the plans. Let me know when you are free Tue-Thur next week 9AM-4PM. I will arrange for staff to provide plans when we find a time to meet. Please respond directly to me at John.Maximuk@decaturga.com

The City's Arborist has checked this work and compared it to the record set of plans. The work is compliant with the City's tree canopy conservation plan.