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Thursday, May 10, 2012

Are the trees on Commodore marked for removal?

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COMMODORE PLAZA TODAY.  Photo courtesy TreeWatch

TreeWatch and many neighbors are concerned about trees coming down on Commodore Plaza, I was awakened last night from a sound sleep about this issue, but it's not a surprise, it has been part of the BID's streetscape plan, which is Commissioner Marc Sarnoff's plan, since day one, hasn't it?

It was all a surprise to us when the trees on SW 27 Avenue
were hacked by the county, but so many trees in the Center Grove are on the chopping block and it is part of the plan and has been.

From one neighbor:
"I see the trees on Commodore Plaza are marked for destruction, did you ever learn what they plan to replace them with? I am in a state of perplexity over this issue, it is the most moronic project I have ever encountered in my life. The only thing that makes sense is 'they' are getting healthy kick-backs because if you recall the same time this project was approved the city laid off policemen and firemen."

It was thought that the Florida Avenue job would be completed by now. The trees there are
slated for removal and replacement, but nothing has been done yet, so it is assumed that it will be one fell swoop and all the trees will be removed at once. And then replaced with smaller trees, but not before the "all important" Silva Cell system is installed below each new tree.

From another person:
"I cannot believe such a selfish project by the BID at the cost of these trees. I cannot believe that all those people who joined the Grove promo for the Playhouse  wrapped ribbons, got hand bands and buttons and banners, turned out to sing Cumbayah then went  home to forget about it, and no one gives a sh-- about the Trees of the Grove, which are just as important and as part of the "Grove Brand" as the Playhouse.

So far,


11 trees on Florida Avenue

5 trees on May and Virginia,
and now 9 trees on Commodore Plaza and Main Highway.

That is 25 trees and we are not even counting 20 more that are going to get the same death sentence along Fuller.  I guess they are leaving those for last. Then they will begin with Phase 2 and that will pretty much take care of trees along Grand and Main. I keep telling people but nobody listens."


Basically it's like this, a majority of the business owners who are part of the BID, seem to want this, they don't speak up against it and they control the Center Grove. The residents do not seem to want trees removed. Many feel that there is corruption involved in some way, shape or form otherwise the project would not go ahead since so many residents are against it. But the business owners are apparently in favor of it. One way to maybe show your dismay is to ask the particular business or restaurant you are doing business with if they are in favor of the project. Tell them how you feel about it. Engage in a dialogue. Many of the business owners involved are afraid to speak up against the project and so the massacre goes ahead. 


From the TreeWatch Facebook page: "Nine Trees on Commodore Plaza in Coconut Grove are marked for destruction for no other reason than they interfere with redecorating plans by the BID."

Coconut Grove TreeWatch plans on appealing the tree removal plan for Commodore Plaza and there is
a petition here if you would like to sign it.

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6 Comments:

Anonymous Joseph Richardson said...

Greetings,

We at Celestial Treasures at 3444 Main Hwy #3 are Not in Favor of any tree removal, we love the trees and the shade/oxygen that they provide.
Not all businesses want the trees removed.
Peace,
Joseph Richardson
General Manager
Celestial Treasures

May 10, 2012 9:35 AM  
Blogger GroveTreeWatch said...

Thanks Grapevine for bringing this to the attention of many who read your blog. I myself would have missed the postings which went up on May 2nd, and the 10 day window to appeal, had it not been for an alert TreeWatcher who called my attention to this.

The notices are actually for 12 trees--11 trees to be cut down on Commodore and even on Main with only one tree set for "relocation".

The notices are all facing traffic and not the sidewalk itself, where pedestrians might actually see the signs. Also, the City is supposed to send out notices of the intended decision to remove trees and allow the permit. These notices need to go out to the neighboring area residents, businesses and interested organizations. You may remember the big deal that was made when the County cut the trees on 27th avenue down without proper notice, and only the vague postings. Since then we have request from the City that TreeWatch receive Notices, and while we regularly get all sorts of notices by email, it is a remarkable coincidence that in the case of all the BID tree removal permit issues, (Florida Avenue, Mary Street, Virginia Street and now this), no notice. I have had to go and request that the notice get sent to us each and every time as I am about to do right now, as so far, with only one day to appeal, TreeWatch has yet to get a proper notice.

I am sure we will behold that those notices are a courtesy, and that the postings on the trees (facing away from where they may have a better chance to be seen) are enough.

But you know what? We as a Grove, need to say enough is enough. Some of these are large trees as you can see by the photo, and in the aftermath, we will surely lose the character of our Grove streets.


Please sign the petition. Get involved. Spread the word, and help our EXISTING canopy spread.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/treewatch-petition-to-save-the-trees-of-coconut/

May 10, 2012 9:44 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

THIS IS INSANE Marc Sarnoff' has to go. They are going to leave use with nothing. But they all will have a big fat pocket. The trees are beautiful and have been there for many years why remove them for a new water system REALLY. the trees are part of the GROVE.

May 10, 2012 11:05 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is what happens when nobody shows up to vote!

May 10, 2012 1:22 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

This is SHAMEFUL ! The destruction of the Grove continues, unabated.

Something stinks at City Hall

May 11, 2012 2:11 PM  
Anonymous Tree Service Queens said...

I've read so many articles just like this, its happening all around America. Its ridiculous that these businesses and corporations want to have these trees fall just so they can have their business more noticeable.

-Oscar Valencia

June 06, 2012 1:41 PM  

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