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Arlington Tree Preservation Concerns: Lyon Park Presentation

Learn about challenges in tree preservation in Lyon Park, Arlington, including case studies and arguments from various stakeholders. Explore citizen interest and next steps to safeguard the tree canopy.

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Arlington Tree Preservation Concerns: Lyon Park Presentation

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  1. May 2018 Tree Takeaways – Lyon ParkPresentation by ATAG Member Anne Bodine to UFC • Residential by-right zoning changes virtually guarantee clear cuts of lots • Arlington authorities and regs are unclear • This leads to finger-pointing and confusion for citizens who want to engage • There is strong citizen interest in better and more tree preservation in Arlington/Lyon Park

  2. Case Studies • 309 N. Fillmore – tried to get builder to save tree at property line with my lot, failed • 213 N. Edgewood – in May 2018, engaged all parties to seek salvation of 7 mature tulip poplars • Trees marked for removal and citizens engaged May 8, with calls, petitions • Owner cut all tulip poplars (+ others) May 15

  3. 213 N. Edgewood canopy on lot

  4. County Arguments (Arborist) • No legal impediment to owners’ decision • Too costly to redo site plan to save single tree • Owner wants to remove trees, to maximize by-right Single Family Home (SFH) build • “Dillon” rules at State level prevent counties from engaging more vigorously for trees • Owner will replace 13 trees with six new ones (2 each maple, holly, redbud)

  5. Owner/Builder Arguments • Sought property in LP for its “lovely trees” • County said trees will die from site buildout so trees must come down; we tried but could not change house design • Lot grading impeded by mature trees onsite • Similar tulip poplars fell and damaged homes • Too costly to redo site plan, too late in the game

  6. State Del. Patrick Hope Arguments • No one complains to us about tree loss on private lots • Richmond is NOT the appropriate address • Arlington can seek special regs, has not, and the county controls zoning

  7. Tree Advocate Argument • Each side blames others; opacity ensures concerned neighbors cannot affect end-state • Edgewood site is very large with poplars close to property line; it can accommodate both McMansion and tree canopy (see next slide) • Many private owners have spared trees in similar SFHbuilds/remodels in LP • Owners getting “credit” for protecting “offsite” trees and planting “replacements” does not ameliorate major canopy damage

  8. 213 N. Edgewood tree placement

  9. Citizen Interest/Next Steps? • Petition to save the tall tulip poplars received strong support, garnering approx. 225 signatures from May 8-16 (copy to UFC) • Approx. 80% of signatories are county residents • 80% of the county residents are from Lyon Park / Ashton Heights • We need better process for all parties to engage on behalf of our dwindling tree canopy, STOP clear cuts (see next slides)

  10. Tree Cutting

  11. 213 N. Edgewood St. cleared

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