by Sebastian Gordon
Heritage Oak Tree stands at the edge of 6155 N. Palafox Street awaiting its removal for new A+ Storage Unit. Advocates gathered to protest and protect the tree from eradication.
Recently, the largest measured and recorded Heritage Oak Tree in Escambia County has been placed under attack. The Development Review Committee approved it to be cut down to expand the A+ Storage facility on 6155 N. Palafox Street.
The tree sits at the back of a .56 acre vacant lot recently purchased to build a three-story mini storage building. The tree is 85 inches in diameter and has a 22-foot circumference.
Despite public opposition, many services, including developers, engineers, and county development, were unwilling to redesign plans to save the tree.
The Development Review Committee even went against their own Land Development Code (LDC) law to approve its removal. According to the Escambia County Land Development Code, the tree is protected and removal of it is against the law.
At the Development Review Committee meeting, many local residents showed up and argued against its removal. A lawyer and the Arborist and Environmental Experts fought against its removal. However, the A+ Storage facility’s team still plans on cutting the tree down.
Advocates banded together by creating a petition that received over 5,000 signatures. Passionate citizens gathered at the tree on August 11th and 19th to hold a rally/vigil and protest the tree’s removal.
Two appeals were filed. The hearing was set for September 20th at 8:30 AM and occurred at the Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place. The Board of Adjustment voted to dismiss both appeal cases and the decision to remove the Heritage Oak was not overturned.
William J. Dunaway, a Pensacola attorney, made the first defense appeal, and Margaret Hostetter made the second appeal. Two appeals have never been filed to overturn a Development Order before.
A concerned citizen writes online, “Over the years, I’ve seen a number of large, beautiful oaks destroyed by “progress,” like the several hundred-year-old oak tree that was taken down near the civic arena. The community protested, and we got a tree ordinance. It seems that developers have paid off enough politicians that the developers always get their way, and trees come down. We must stop the destruction of this tree!”
Margaret Hostetter, the administrator of the “Trees of Escambia County Florida” Facebook group, said, “We need to draw the line here to create a better future.”
Trees contribute to their environment in many ways, such as providing oxygen, preserving soil, improving air quality, supporting wildlife, climate amelioration (regulating temperatures), and conserving water.
When asked what individuals could do to help this cause, Margaret Hostetter said, “Become involved with our group (Trees of Escambia County Florida), elect leaders (County Commissioners) who are mindful about these issues, spread awareness, and be a long term thinker to think of the benefit trees bring to the environment.”
Hostetter encourages individuals to challenge Escambia County by signing the petition to preserve the majestic oak: (https://www.change.org/p/preserve-the-d3-heritage-oak-enforce-escambia-county-ldc-for-the-rights-of-communities-it-s-designed-to-protect). Another way to help would be to email/call Lumon May (District 3 County Commissioner) with objections and concerns. Here is the information to reach out: District3@myescambia.com/850-595-4930.
Recently, the largest measured and recorded Heritage Oak Tree in Escambia County has been placed under attack. The Development Review Committee approved it to be cut down to expand the A+ Storage facility on 6155 N. Palafox Street.
The tree sits at the back of a .56 acre vacant lot recently purchased to build a three-story mini storage building. The tree is 85 inches in diameter and has a 22-foot circumference.
Despite public opposition, many services, including developers, engineers, and county development, were unwilling to redesign plans to save the tree.
The Development Review Committee even went against their own Land Development Code (LDC) law to approve its removal. According to the Escambia County Land Development Code, the tree is protected and removal of it is against the law.
At the Development Review Committee meeting, many local residents showed up and argued against its removal. A lawyer and the Arborist and Environmental Experts fought against its removal. However, the A+ Storage facility’s team still plans on cutting the tree down.
Advocates banded together by creating a petition that received over 5,000 signatures. Passionate citizens gathered at the tree on August 11th and 19th to hold a rally/vigil and protest the tree’s removal.
Two appeals were filed. The hearing was set for September 20th at 8:30 AM and occurred at the Central Office Complex at 3363 West Park Place. The Board of Adjustment voted to dismiss both appeal cases and the decision to remove the Heritage Oak was not overturned.
William J. Dunaway, a Pensacola attorney, made the first defense appeal, and Margaret Hostetter made the second appeal. Two appeals have never been filed to overturn a Development Order before.
A concerned citizen writes online, “Over the years, I’ve seen a number of large, beautiful oaks destroyed by “progress,” like the several hundred-year-old oak tree that was taken down near the civic arena. The community protested, and we got a tree ordinance. It seems that developers have paid off enough politicians that the developers always get their way, and trees come down. We must stop the destruction of this tree!”
Margaret Hostetter, the administrator of the “Trees of Escambia County Florida” Facebook group, said, “We need to draw the line here to create a better future.”
Trees contribute to their environment in many ways, such as providing oxygen, preserving soil, improving air quality, supporting wildlife, climate amelioration (regulating temperatures), and conserving water.
When asked what individuals could do to help this cause, Margaret Hostetter said, “Become involved with our group (Trees of Escambia County Florida), elect leaders (County Commissioners) who are mindful about these issues, spread awareness, and be a long term thinker to think of the benefit trees bring to the environment.”