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Capitol Hill Community Post | Destruction planned for 100 year old tree in Capitol Hill

IMG_20160208_154054IMG_20160208_154048From Sarah Kerr

TODAY, Feb 10 is the last day to comment on my apartment property, and the proposed destruction of it. I know I will need to move and don’t have any choice in that matter. Below is my comment in regards to the beautiful old tree that I’ve loved and cherished. If you feel inclined, send an email today to that email address and ask for an extension of public comment to reconsider the design.

Attached below is my comment to the DPD:

to [email protected]
Dear Peter Tallar, Carly Guillory, the City of Seattle, or to Whom it May Concern:

I am writing in regards to the public comment on the Streamlined Design Review for Project 3022230, for the address of 711 Federal Ave E, Seattle, WA, 98102.

I’d like to insist upon an extension of the public comment period until after a third party arborist can assess the “exceptional tree” on the property. The tree I refer to is an Austrian Pine, which was incorrectly labeled as 35 feet tall. It is well above that height, and also is at least 100 years old. This tree stands on the East side of the property and is at least three and a half feet across the trunk of the tree at shoulder height. It is an historically unique tree, in that it was manicured in its early life to branch outwards, creating a particularly beautiful and unusual specimen. This tree is what makes this particular apartment structure, block, and neighborhood a quality place to live. The current design lists this tree as a “hazard” even though it is an exceptional tree and should have consideration put towards a way to keep it alive. What constitutes a legitimate hazard? I propose that an independent arborist be consulted about the value of the tree before this design be approved. It is a conflict of interest for an arborist paid by the developer to assess the risk of the tree and decide that it should be killed.

While the proposed design goes to extensive lengths in saying that the new structures to be built will “fit in” with the neighborhood, they also plan to remove this tree (as well as every other tree on the property) which truly is a treasure. The entire neighborhood enjoys the shade, the spectacular visual array, and the way the light filters through this tree. People walking by on the sidewalk regularly stop under this tree and take a moment’s respite; whether walking their dogs, talking with friends, or just taking a breathe and pausing out of the rain. The local and migrating fauna also enjoys the support this tree gives. I’ve personally spent many hours watching the birds search for food or sing their territory from its branches. The current residents of The El Nido Apartments at 711 Federal Ave E have chosen to live in a place that meets their needs for community, beauty, and basic affordable shelter. Some of us have been here for multiple decades. While I am devastated about the prospect of moving out of the place I love and call home, I understand that the owner has made her decision to sell and so I will find a way to move on. What makes it so much worse is that this sweet place will no longer have the environment provided by this tree and the new residents will never know what they missed. It really hurts to think about this tree being chopped up and run through a chipper in the name of more townhouses in Capitol Hill.

Please consider my plea, in the name of the idea that Seattle is a green city, the Emerald City. How many chances do we have to admire a tree over 100 years old in our daily life? How many chances will you have to save a tree of this value? Isn’t it worth a little extra time and effort to check to possibilities of preserving this unique, exceptional tree before rubber stamping yet another new building in a fast-growing neighborhood? I both live and work here, this is my home. As a committed and passionate citizen of Capitol Hill, I ask you to please consider your actions carefully.

 

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