Adams also submitted documents from engineer Tim Lynch and Hudsonia representative Erik Kiviat, claiming that both stated the tree removal would have no adverse impact on the environment. Additionally, he noted that Winnakee Land Trust, which holds a conservation easement on the property, has signed off on the plan. For environmental and ecological reasons, town zoning law requires a special permit for “all development” within 1,000 feet of the Hudson. The law explicitly lists tree removal as a type of development.
“We are only here tonight because in Red Hook, if you take down any vegetation, if I pull a piece of crab grass out of my lawn, within 1,000 feet of the Hudson River, you need a special use permit,” Adams joked.
However, deputy chairperson Charlie Laing noted that the Hudsonia report indicated several worrisome factors. “When you clear an area, you invite invasive species in, so that is one concern from Hudsonia,” he said.
Reading from the Hudsonia report, he also noted that “the vegetation provides important stabilization.” Considering that the cutting would take place along a steep slope of cliff and clay soil that descends to the river-edge train tracks, the threat of erosion is a concern.
Board member Sam Phelan said, “I did not see anything in [the report] that substantiated a benefit of cutting these trees at all. Mostly [it lists] mitigation measures in the event that they are cut.”
Adams admitted that the report was hastily done and added that the applicants might agree to some of the suggested mitigation procedures, like installing low-growth vegetation to forestall erosion.
During the public hearing, Nancy Guski, chair of the Red Hook Tree Committee, presented a letter outlining many of the benefits that mature trees provide and suggested that the applicants specifically list why each tree is being targeted for removal.
The proposed project is coming under increased scrutiny because of tree cutting that has already taken place at Teviot, on Davis Lane. Wenner’s Teviot Property LLC company received a special permit in 2008 to remove an estimated 53 trees in order to restore the view of the river. This was considered an acceptable action, because Teviot and similar riverfront estates have historically maintained such landscaping.
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