Page 4 • Wednesday , December 15 , 2021 • The Hammonton Gazette
Environmental Comm . votes on tree applications
COMMISSION , from Page 1 Menzel said that the committee had several events planned , including a wreath-making workshop in conjunction with the Hammonton Permaculture Club on December 10 and a cleanup of Hammonton Lake Park on December 11 .
“ Planning continues for a lot of other events ,” Menzel said . absent also was Councilman Jonathan Oliva . Caruso-Cafiso presented his report in his stead . the report concerned an appeal of the application submitted by zachery McBuckin of 285 Chestnut St . for the removal of one tree with no replacement . the application stated that the tree was close to the house , and its roots were growing toward the house . the application was denied at the commission ’ s November meeting .
“ they overturned us . they were in favor of him taking the tree down , but to replant a tree with our assistance . He does have some general plan to put in a patio , probably next summer , which would impact tree roots , etc . He might even put in a pool somewhere down the line ,” Caruso-Cafiso said .
While reviewing tree removal applications , the commission discussed one submitted by Brian Gazzara of 435 S . Chew rd . for the removal of two silver maples ; according to the application , the trees are too close to the house .
“ they were unmarked trees , but we kind of got the idea of which two they were ,” Caruso-Cafiso said . Murphy expressed uncertainty regarding the application . “ i don ’ t know that i was 100 percent sure which they were ,” Murphy said .
Caruso-Cafiso agreed . “ i was in the car , and i kept going to the application for the drawing to find out which two . i assume it was the two right in front of the sides of the house . i ’ m assuming those were the two trees ,” Caruso-Cafiso said . Hozik concurred . “ So were we ,” Hozik said . Murphy questioned the need for discussion of the application . “ i didn ’ t think we discussed unmarked trees ,” Murphy said . Caruso-Cafiso replied . “ We have , in the past , if it was obvious that those were the trees ,”
Caruso-Cafiso said . Murphy responded . “ i don ’ t know if it was obvious that those were the trees ... i know there ’ s been cases where there ’ s one tree in the entire yard , and you know that ’ s the one , but this one was confusing . i think we should ask to mark them ,” Murphy said .
Hozik noted the condition of the suspected trees .
“ the trees are close to the house , if we ’ re talking about the ones i think we are . i did see some small branches on the roof of the
house — and the trees that we looked at , they seemed like they were probably on the downhill side , rather than getting better ,” Hozik said .
Matro suggested tabling the application to allow the applicant time to mark the trees for proper inspection and review .
“ We need to know which trees they were ,” Matro said . the commission concurred , and the application was tabled .
“ Have him mark them , and we ’ ll consider it in January ,” Hozik said .
During the review process , the commission also entertained the following applications :
• Joni Diemma , 714 12th St . One street tree to be trimmed . On the oncoming wires .
• Jesus and Sonia Bermudez , 110 forest Dr . two trees . too close to house .
• Marie fucetola , 319 Central ave . One tree at 41 S . Madison ave . tree is dead .
• Lucca realty , 620 S . White Horse Pike . 12 trees . Dead .
• Brooke attanasi , 435 Grape See TREES , Page 16
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