THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, December 15, 1994 TAG: 9412150007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A26 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 34 lines
I recently learned that the construction just east of I-664 and south of the Pughsville interchange was at the expense of one of the oldest oak trees in Chesapeake, if not in the state of Virginia.
In the center of a field lies a tree that was more than 25 feet around the truck. That tree must have stood for several hundred years. There must be some really important construction to justify such wanton waste of this environmental resource.
Chesapeake's arborist, whose job is to protect such resources, says it was not within the scope of his job to intervene in such matters. It seems that as long as some trees are replanted by the developer, it all evens out.
I was further informed that state law would allow Chesapeake to enact an ordinance effectively blocking destruction of individual trees. It seems the burden has therefore been shifted to City Council.
I challenge City Council and the developer to argue that this construction is of such value to the city that provision could not have been made to accommodate a single tree.
There will come a time when other trees of historical significance are threatened. I suggest that citizens study closely this developers' plans.
S. D. ERICKSON
Chesapeake, Dec. 7, 1994 by CNB