By Carolyn Maxwell –
At the June 24, 2013 Perth Amboy Caucus Meeting there was a huge discussion about what to do with the Historic City Hall Elm Tree. Those participating in the discussion, besides the council, included the Business Administrator, the City Attorney and concerned citizens.
Those for and against the removal of the tree had valid arguments. What swayed me in favor of keeping the historic tree is what was in the report submitted by Gary Lovallo from the Chestnut Arboricultural and Forestry Services LLC. B.A. Greg Fehrenbach read the report which had also been submitted to the Council.
City Hall circa late 1890’s. *Courtesy of John K. Dyke
In essence, Lovallo said that with proper care and maintenance totaling around $8000 the tree can have an additional lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Councilman Fernando Irizarry was mostly concerned about the liability to the City if someone was injured by a falling branch from the tree because of its condition. Business Administrator Greg Fehrenbach said that it had been a concern of his for some time.
Council President Joel Pabon agreed with Irizarry and Fehrenbach in regards to the liability issue. Pabon wanted to know if it was worth $8000 to save the tree. Pabon said that he would rather see the old tree removed and replaced with a new tree. Fehrenbach said, “Either way it would come out to the same cost – $8000 because of the cost of removing the old tree, putting protective fencing around the tree and removing parking spaces and replacing the sidewalks to remove the roots.
Councilwoman Lisa Nanton recalled, “About 15 years ago, the City received a grant to plant trees down by the Waterfront. These trees are already dead – some because of the storm. And we got heat for trying to remove them. Once we cut down this elm tree we can’t take it back. It is a historic tree and we are trying to promote our history. If we talk about liability we should have more trees removed. If this tree proves to be such a liability next year we can cut it down. But if we could get more time for it – up to 15 years, I’ll get my change out to help save it.”
Councilman Kenneth Gonzalez agreed with Nanton, “The tree looked very ugly in the wintertime. Look at it now with all the greenery. It’s worth it to try and save it.”
At the June 26, 2013 Council Meeting, members of the public spoke out as to why the tree should be saved. John K. Dyke said that the litmus test of that tree was it withstanding Sandy and storms over the past few years. “What damaged the tree is when the roofing from City Hall fell on a limb causing it to snap. This tree is Perth Amboy’s oldest living resident and it saw a lot of historic citizens. It has been here since 1843.”
The Historic Elm Tree in front of Perth Amboy City Hall, present time. *Photo by Carolyn Maxwell
Gregory Pabon who is also a member of the Police Chaplain Corps spoke from personal experience, “About 13 years ago, I was seriously ill and told I would not have a very good chance to survive, but I am still here. I agree with Pabon and Irizarry about liability of the elm tree but I think that the tree should be given a second chance at life, too.”
Other speakers talked about the tree not only being historic, but an asset to the City. A resident who lives on Water Street said, “This tree has a soul and this building (referring to City Hall) would be very empty without this tree. I can’t imagine this building without this tree in front of it.”
Another resident urged the City to build a wall around the tree because it gives value to the neighborhood. “And it would be a travesty of justice to cut it down.”
After the dust settled and I heard from both sides: pro and con, I agreed with saving the tree. My final decision was based on the fact that even after many years of neglect and not having the proper treatment, the tree showed its strength. It did not succumb to the wrath of Mother Nature as did the younger and healthier trees.
