Shade Tree Commission

Borough of Doylestown Shade Tree Commission MINUTES Tuesday, June 11, 2024 - 6:30 P.M. Full Meeting Packet: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/frvkr7tr7cqkz9g73drre/AAXw6akfPp4F3rHUtiRIrMU?rlkey=ssmzz1dlgtx48k1yy01i7rqfm &dl=0 The regular meeting of the Shade Tree Commission was held on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, at 6:30 PM at Doylestown Borough Hall, 10 Doyle Street. Commission members in attendance included Lisa Moscherosh, Kayvon Tabatabai, Chris May, Jean Weston, and Baldev Lamba. Also present were Borough Arborist Bob McMullin, Dave Burger, Director of Public Works and Karyn Hyland, Director of Building and Zoning. Call to Order: Meeting was called to order at 6:30PM (WESTON/LAMBA) Approval of Minutes: The May 2025 minutes were approved. (WESTON/LAMBA) 1. SDLD# 2025-03 – 159-161 W. State, Worth and Worth, LP, Applicant The Commission reviewed the proposed street tree locations and provided the following recommendations. On the northeast corner at Harvey Street, a medium to medium-large tree is recommended. At the east corner along Hamilton Street, a large tree with a broad canopy should be selected. For the parking islands closest to the proposed building, medium to large-sized trees are appropriate. In front of the proposed building on West Court Street, the Commission recommends removing the larger Ginkgo tree due to expected damage from the installation of a new water line. The smaller Ginkgo should remain and be protected with a tree grate. The Commission encourages consideration of a bump-out in the street to accommodate larger tree plantings. Due to site limitations, a contribution to the tree fund is recommended in lieu of meeting the full replanting requirements. (WESTON/LAMBA) 2. SDLD# 2025-04 – 57 W. Court Street, ALOK Investments, LLC, Property Owner The Commission discussed the proposed street tree locations and are in agreement with the selected species and placement. It was noted, however, that one or more trees may fall within the line of sight of the nearby stop sign, and this should be reviewed further. There appears to be adequate space to adjust the tree locations if needed to resolve any visibility concerns. Due to the presence of existing trees on site, the Commission recommends that a contribution be made to the tree fund in lieu of meeting full replanting requirements. (WESTON/LAMBA) Tree Applications: 1. 193 N. Hamilton Street, David Pierce, Property Owner. In attendance - Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (WESTON/LAMBA) 2. 197 N. Hamilton Street, Chuck Lang, Property Owner. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (WESTON/LAMBA) 3. 195 N. Hamilton Street, Mark and Terese Ullman, Property Owners. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant with appropriate sized trees. (WESTON/LAMBA) 4. 130 E. Court Street, Donna Lazzari, Property Owner. In attendance - Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (WESTON/LAMBA) 5. 154 W. Oakland Avenue, Sandra Miiligan, Property Owner. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (MOSCHEROSCH/LAMBA)  6. 126 E. Oakland Avenue, Darshan Dohle, Property Owner. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (MOSCHEROSCH/LAMBA) 7. 555 N. Broad Street, Center Square Towers, Property Owner. In attendance - Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant trees Borough approved trees. (MOSCHEROSCH/WESTON) 8. 14 Belmont Square, Kathleen Adams, Property Owner. Recommended approval with a letter from the neighbor due to the location being so close to the property line. (MOSCHEROSCH/WESTON) 9. 125 Mechanics Street, Doylestown Presbyterian Church, Property Owner. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (MOSCHEROSCH/LAMBA) 10. 452 Maple Avenue, Sandra Milligan, Property Owner. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (MOSCHEROSCH/LAMBA) 11. 266 Paine Street, Mark Cosgrove, Property Owner. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (MOSCHEROSCH/LAMBA) 12. 131 S. West Street, Karen Whitney, Property Owner. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (MOSCHEROSCH/LAMBA) 13. 228 Hillcrest Drive, William Ford, Property Owner. In attendance - Recommended approval (TABATABAI/MOSCHEROSCH) 14. 7 Stacey Drive, Katherine Peffall, Property Owner. In attendance - Recommended approval (TABATABAI/MOSCHEROSCH) 15. 107 E. Court Street, Jay Staats, Property Owner. In attendance - Recommended approval (LAMBA/WESTON) 16. 6 School Hill Drive, Tumelty Tree, Applicant. Recommended approval with the suggestion to replant. (MOSCHEROSCH/LAMBA) Old/New Business: 1. Ordinance Consideration – Approved Planting List Amendment The Commission discussed and recommended the following amendments to the current ordinance. The approved tree list should be updated to include the following species: Acer negundo, Acer saccharum, Acer × freemanii, Aesculus octandra, Aesculus pavia, Cladrastis kentuckea (lutea), Crataegus viridis, Franklinia alatamaha, Gymnocladus dioicus, Halesia carolina, Magnolia tripetala, Taxodium ascendens, Taxodium distichum, Thuja occidentalis, Thuja plicata, and Ulmus americana. The language "Native to East Coast" should be revised to "Mid-Atlantic Region, Eastern U.S., and USDA Hardy Zone 6b." Additionally, the ordinance should be updated to allow for the inclusion of appropriate native cultivars and native hybrids. (TABATABAI/LAMBA) 2. 401 Maple Ave - Resident Chris Candido was in attendance to seek clarification regarding the right-of-way at his residence. The Commission had previously recommended that he be permitted to remove the existing maple tree. It was further noted that the Commission supports the planting of four yellowwood trees in the right-of-way along Cottage Street and will recommend to Council that yellowwood be added to the approved planting list. (MOSCHEROSH/MAY) Reports: 1. Chairperson Report - None 2. Arborist’s Report - None Public Comment 1. Ben Bell requested that the Borough remove the stump remaining from a previously removed tree. He also asked that a new tree be planted in its place. However, after review, the Commission determined that replanting in that location is not feasible due to sight line limitations related to the nearby stop sign and the presence of overhead wires within the right-of-way. Dave Burger will schedule the stump removal, and Mr. Bell may plant a new tree outside of the right-of-way. Adjournment. There will be no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at 9:49PM Next Shade Tree Commission Meeting is Tuesday, July 8, 2025