STAFF REPORT

October 19, 1999

To: North York Community Council

From: Joe Halstead, Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism

Subject: Tree Removal Request - 230 Empress Avenue

North York Centre

Purpose:

This report provides information regarding an appeal to the Community Council from the owner of the above address to permit the removal of a City owned 78 cm Silver Maple street tree from the lawn in front of their house. City Forestry staff agrees with the request for removal of the tree.

Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

Staff and equipment costs to remove this tree and its stump are $1,702.00. The amenity value of the tree is $7,448.00. The value plus removal costs total $9,150.00.

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) the request to remove the City tree be approved conditional on the applicant paying all costs for removing the tree and stump, $1702.00 and the value of the tree, $7,448.00 a total of $9,150.00.

Background:

There are two Silver Maple trees of 63 and 78 cm diameter located at the above address. The total value plus removal costs of the trees is $15,197.00. A Tree Protection Agreement was signed on October 6, 1998, for the preservation of these trees during the demolition and construction of a new single family dwelling. The owner of the property, Mr. Nejasmic, had also requested in writing the removal of the 78 cm Silver Maple tree to allow for safe access through the driveway to the lot. The removal request was supported by the Forestry Section.

The tree was scheduled for removal and the utilities for the house were installed by trench excavation close to the trunk of the tree causing extensive root damage. Councillor Filion requested that Forestry staff cancel tree removal and ensure that the tree was protected throughout the remaining construction activity. The Tree Protection Agreement file was closed on February 12, 1999, and the Tree Survival Guarantee refunded.

Comments:

On July 16, 1999, Mr. Nejasmic again requested the removal of the tree which was not supported by Councillor Filion. As a result of the installation of underground utilities during construction, the tree has suffered extensive root damage and will rapidly decline therefore the Forestry Section recommends the removal of this tree. Additionally, the driveway of the original house encroached on the neighbours property at #228 to allow for safe access to the property. The resident at #228 has since installed a fence along the property line further restricting access to #230. Concerns have also been raised regarding traffic hazards as the tree restricts visibility for vehicles entering onto the road way.

Conclusions:

Since healthy trees are valuable assets to the quality of life in a community, and all neighbourhood residents have a stake in their preservation, the Department normally does not recommend their removal to accommodate the wishes of individual homeowners. As a result of the history outlined above, Urban Forestry is recommending removal of the tree, providing the cost of the removal is borne by the applicant.

Contact:

Tony Fleischmann

Supervisor, Urban Forestry

Planning and Protection

Phone: 395-6134

Fax: 395-7886

e-mail: afleisch@city.north-york.on.ca

Joe Halstead

Commissioner Economic Development, Culture and Tourism