A busy day

Today Morningside residents received a letter from Township Engineer Jim Helb, asking them to indicate whether they wanted a new shade tree planted in front of their home. A stamped addressed envelope was included to facilitate this. I applaud this effort to improve communication and inform residents of this option. And I also welcome the initiative of tree experts on identifying suitable locations for our public trees.

There were many interesting articles on the Verona-Cedar Grove Times today. The following are related to Verona's trees, you can read the full text by clicking on the articles' titles:

Schwartz ready for challenges of mayoral post
By Joe Olivieri.

...First up is getting the shade-tree issue resolved, she said. Last month, residents presented the council with a petition complaining about tree removal. Officials explained town policy and are looking into the matter...As for more long-term projects, Schwartz would like to see a "not draconian" tree ordinance in place. Schwartz isn't sure what shape it would take, but it could include neighbor notification for tree removal or hiring an arborist.
"If trees are sick, they're a hazard. But if they're healthy, they reduce air conditioning costs (through shade) and prevent mud in basements," she said...

Deputy mayor: networking is key.
Frank Sapienza strives to maintain fresh perspective in local politics.
By Joe Olivieri.

...Looking ahead he cited the shade tree issue as a hot button topic. "In the next week or so, I'm going to meet with the Shade Tree Commission and see what they are all about", he said...

Letter to the editor: Verona needs professional arborist to help
By Elaine Balestro.

...This has been an ongoing concern of mine, which came to light after the township removed many mature oak trees from Hillside Avenue during the summer of 2000. The removal and non-replacement of those trees prompted my letters to Mayor Maria Force in November 2000 and Mayor Bob Detore in February 2002 and April 2003...What Verona needs is a professional arborist specialized in protecting street trees from construction damage who will act as a tree advocate working with contractors to plan and supervise construction from beginning to end...