Hart Passes a Resolution to Reduce Tree Loss

Councilwoman Hart visits Millikan Woods, prior to introducing a resolution passed unanimously that Metro responded to by agreeing to take down a lot fewer trees.

A week has gone by since the Metro vote. The Sun Press wrote a front page article: Cleveland Heights Council Paves the Way for Metrohealth expansion with reduced tree cutting plans.   

I am grateful for the community participation that led to this resolution. That is how an effective government works — the community concerns prompted my proposed amendment at the March 24 special meeting.

Because we care about the trees and about the patients who need the care of a mental health facility, we felt it necessary to move forward — but we added the amendment which is a condition of the project’s approval. Metrohealth was required to work with city staff to reduce the amount of trees cut. 

Since the first step in their construction was to move trees to construct the ambulance lane, this meant they had to work quickly to reduce the trees in order to meet the condition and begin construction. I am grateful for the quick work of Metro and city staff to come to a resolution by moving parking and the ambulance lane in order to reduce the acreage of trees to be cut by 38+%.  This was a success.  And on-lookers also acknowledged that the people doing the work, who were arborists, took great care to limit any damage to surrounding trees, etc.

Would saving 100% of the trees be an even greater success?  Yes, definitely. 

We achieved a successful reduction of trees and successfully kept the facility here in Cleveland Heights. Delaying the start date of the project would have meant, according to the chair of the planning and development committee, that Cleveland Heights would have lost this important development.  There is also a tremendous need to increase available mental health beds and services in Cuyahoga County. This decision was a balance between the needs of our community, concern for people receiving mental health services and our concerns for the environment, and we received input from the community related to all of these priorities and concerns. 

Arbor Day is Saturday, April 24. So, let’s give ourselves a challenge. Join me on planting a native tree somewhere in Cleveland Heights, to work toward increasing the tree canopy. I look forward to seeing those tree posts on social media. Thank you again, for writing, calling and talking with me about your concerns. It made a difference.