In the wake of public outcry over a plan by a homeowner to build a garage next to a historic Edgartown pagoda tree, the conservation commission has voted to reconsider.
In the wake of public outcry over a plan to build a garage next to a historic Edgartown pagoda tree, the conservation commission voted Monday to reconsider preliminary approval they gave for the garage.
The majestic pagoda tree, brought to the Vineyard as a seedling by a sea captain more than 175 years ago, is a popular tourist landmark. The tree is a public shade tree whose root system spreads beneath private property on the street that faces the harbor and is famous for its whaling captain homes.
The new owners of 29 South Water street are conducting major renovations to their property and want to build a garage above the tree’s root system.
In late October, the conservation commission voted to allow a cantilevered garage that would rest partly on an existing foundation and partly on two 12-inch support piers, in an effort to reduce the impact of the structure on the tree’s root system. Contractors representing the owners have supplied an elaborate plan to protect the tree, hydrate it and provide nutrients to its root system.
But on Monday, selectmen said the risk of damaging the tree was too great and asked the conservation commission to rescind their vote.
“It’s troublesome that we would take a chance like that,” said chairman Arthur Smadbeck. He called the pagoda, “an icon of Edgartown,” and pointed to an outpouring of comments in support of the tree on the Gazette’s website as an indicator of strong public interest.
Selectman Margaret Serpa agreed. She said in the case of most town shade trees that grow on private property, the town allows their removal but requires the homeowner to plant an equivalent tree in its place.
Limbs of pagoda tree stand over South Water street.
Limbs of pagoda tree stand over South Water street.
The pagoda tree is different, Mrs. Serpa said.
“This tree is irreplaceable and I just think we need to keep that in our minds,” she said.
Contractor Norman Rankow, who represented owners Thomas and Mary Folliard, said his team was also committed to the preservation of the tree.
“We are trying to put together a program that will help the tree going forward,” he said.
An arborist hired by the town has assessed the plan favorably, noting that the “cultivation/aeration process and fertilizer application will help improve the soil and the tree’s ability to counteract any negative effects of the construction and encourage root growth in that area.”
Selectmen recognized efforts to mitigate the impact of the garage, but emphasized that no one can guarantee that these measures would protect it from harm.
Mr. Smadbeck said everybody had done the best job they could do without considering another option: not building the structure at all.
“The tree has been there like that since 1837, wouldn’t that be the wiser course,” he said.
“I just think it’s interesting that you say [the property owners] have gone to all of this expense, but they are not willing to change their plan to accommodate the tree,” Ms. Serpa told Mr. Rankow.
Conservation commission members, who had been invited by the selectmen to hold a joint meeting, weighed in as well.
Jeff Carlson said despite four meetings held to discuss the issue, and the importance of the tree to the town residents, public comment was scarce.
“Had we had this kind of discussion in the meetings, I am sure we would have considered it more fully,” he said. He added that the commission had been inclined to go along with the testimony of the arborists, who seemed to think the tree would be okay. Still, he agreed that no one really knows what will happen.
“That tree canopy has been compromised over and over, over the last hundred plus years, but there is a tipping point, and could this last 700 square feet be the tipping point? We don’t know. We just don’t know,” Mr. Carlson said.
Stuart Lollis summarized the decision as a risk to reward ratio, where the reward is the garage.
He said if the pagoda tree stood next to the Whaling Church, and work needed to be done to renovate that structure, the reward might be greater. But in this case, “I don’t think the risk is worth the reward,” he said.
Ultimately, conservation commission member Christina Brown made a successful motion to revisit the issue.
“I would welcome another round of a much more detailed discussion,” Mrs. Brown said. Commission members said they would widely publicize upcoming meetings about the tree.
Comments
Thank you for extending
Chris White EdgartownThank you for extending discussion from the tree. Would hate to see something happen to ruin it's life.
If you'll trot over to the
tom hodgson wtIf you'll trot over to the "other paper" website, and see the photo over there, you can see plainly that nobody has been looking out for the tree during construction. The area under the tree is being used for the porta-potty, storage, and who knows what else. Its root zone has not been protected, and that tree is going to suffer badly if it does not get some consideration, and soon.
Please save the Tree!
June DeFeo west palm beachPlease save the Tree!
No one ever said, "Hey, let's
Susan Berlin Yarmouth Port, MANo one ever said, "Hey, let's all walk down this street and take a picture near that new garage."
Save the Pagoda tree!
The other paper mentioned
Ken EdgartownThe other paper mentioned comments from the Gazette as driving force to reconsider The approval. Good job gazette.
I don't claim to be the devil
Rob Burnside Kingston, PAI don't claim to be the devil's advocate, but here's my two cents. As a poet and a human being with little time left above ground, I want this beautiful, hallowed tree to last forever. As a retired firefighter, I know that it presents a significant risk to those who live,work, and recreate nearby. If a storm damages it beyond repair, removal will be extremely expensive. Perhaps the new owner will assume this cost now and further compensate the town accordingly.
A garage versus the Pagoda
Shirley Craig EdgartownA garage versus the Pagoda tree?? It's a no-brainer. Please save that Island treasure.
Residents of Edgartown have a
Elizabeth morash ChappyResidents of Edgartown have a responsibility to champion for the pagoda, which has no voice if it's own. Rally, people. Rally.
some things money can't buy..
jean dalton wellesley masome things money can't buy....a 175 year old pagoda tree is one of them !
Thank you for preserving the
Lisa Newsome Greensboro, NCThank you for preserving the Pagoda Tree. It's irreplaceable and too important a landmark to Edgartown.
The tree is a grand symbol of
KK New YorkThe tree is a grand symbol of the Vineyard. It is important history. It brings community to Edgartown.
Illegal dredging, filling in
Joe EdgartownIllegal dredging, filling in wetlands, destroying pagoda tree all on So Water St. What the hell is going on. Looks like you can do whatever you want if you have enough money.
No discussion is necessary.
Tom Carson West TisburyNo discussion is necessary. The obvious and correct decision from the perspective of the public interest is no garage. The conservation commission needs to admit they goofed and then do their job to conserve and protect the tree.
Thank you, Edgartown
Dianne Smith 7 Bumblebee Hill (17 feet above sea level), Chilmark, MAThank you, Edgartown Selectmen, Conservation Commission and Vineyard Gazette for responding to the public concern about this historic tree. The "reconsideration" is commendable. It's an unfortunate reminder, however, that the recent outcry over public safety at the Edgartown Triangle was not equally considered during the hearings about the "The Loft" apartments. Surely human life is as important as that of the pagoda tree. But you're right, Joe -- "They" can do whatever they want if they have enough money.
Dianne you are right human
Bob EdgartownDianne you are right human life is as important as a tree and we are lucky that we will have housing for a few more humans. I hope the town approves the new additional housing behind the bank at the triangle as well.
Housing for whom? This island
Ken EdgartownHousing for whom? This island is seasonal, jobs are gone after october.I can do donuts in the triangle parking lot now. The only traffic on the roads is when the boat unloads or you get stuck behind a school bus. Who will be occupying these apartments and will they be year round. Heck Id like to get into a summer rental business like that too.
Those condos will be a
Dianne Smith Chilmark, MAThose condos will be a firetrap, and the parking lot a nightmare, Bob. Humans deserve better, and so does the town. At least the Conservation Committee, in the face of public opposition, is willing to acknowledge it made a mistake. It's too bad the Planning Board wasn't.
That tree is more than just a
Audrey Loggia Los AngrlesThat tree is more than just a "landmark"...it has a place in one's heart...When I think of walking down S.Water St., I ALWAYS think of that magnificent tree... Please do not allow anyone to endanger this beautiful specimen. And...for the sake of a garage? Really?.....
I find it alarming that it
gina menemsha/nycI find it alarming that it took a public outcry of this level to have the Edgartown Conservation Comm back peddle it's decision.. Makes me wonder who is "driving the bus" in Edgartown??
The tree is one hundred
Mark Lucier EdgartownThe tree is one hundred seventy-five years old, it can't last forever. Why not leave it in peace and give pleasure for a few more years. I think it has had its share of adversity to overcome all those years, no need to add to it.
I, too, drove by the Pagoda
Mary Jane Carpenter EdgartownI, too, drove by the Pagoda tree today. Very disheartening to see the construction debris and general mucking about going on there. The tree needs to be preserved. It is one of the oldest trees of its kind on the North American continent. It will cost the town nothing to act to preserve it and we will all suffer if it dies as a result of root stress. Do we not have a shade tree protection ordinance? I know that we do. Use it.
THINK that I shall never see
Joyce Kilmer New JerseyTHINK that I shall never see A poem lovely as a tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth's sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make a tree.
Money just triumphs
Robin MassachusettsMoney just triumphs everything doesn't it?
Have seen the "rebuild" on
George EdgartownHave seen the "rebuild" on South Water Street...4 story house, back fill to raise grade...do you really think the owners or town officials care about the Pagoda Tree? I believe a lot of damage has already been done.
I guess the owner is a car
James EdgartownI guess the owner is a car guy, so the garage is probably important to him. http://www.richmondbizsense.com/2013/11/26/carmax-chief-picks-up-an-8-m…
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