James Mika, of Southwick, stands in his front yard next to a large tree branch that recently fell from a tree owned by the Town of Southwick. The tree is one of several near the property line which has been slated for removal. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
SOUTHWICK – Town trees that threaten a property on Granville Road were given the OK for removal by the Conservation Commission. However, the question of who will pay for the removal is being discussed.
James Mika, owner of the property at 372 Granville Road, told the Board of Selectmen this week that after he received approval to remove the trees, he obtained two estimates, one for $3,400 and one for $3,600. There are seven trees Mika wants removed.
“Branches are falling onto my property,” he said. “Now it’s a question of who is going to pay for it.”
Board Chairman Arthur Pinell acknowledged that the trees are on town-owned conservation land.
“Because the Conservation Commission didn’t get into any funding sources, we will look into it,” said Pinell, who then asked if the trees could be added to the list of those to be removed throughout town.
Department of Public Works (DPW) Director Jeffrey Neece said there are already about 100 trees on that list, adding that Western Massachusetts Electric Company would remove some of those. He said that WMECO was not likely to have an interest in removing any of the trees in question on Granville Road.
“Those are about 75 to 100 feet back from the road,” said Neece, “but there might be one they would consider removing.”
Selectwoman Tracy Cesan asked if all seven trees needed to be removed or if they could they be cut across the top to alleviate the problem.
“His concern is that they are hanging over his house,” said Neece.
“Even if they cut the tops off, they will continue to grow that way,” added Pinell.
The Conservation Commission does have a budget that allows for items such as tree removal. However, the board members believed there was little money available and wondered if there was funding in the forestry budget.
“Maybe we could share the funding between the two line items,” suggested Neece.
The board agreed to further explore the matter and find a funding resolution.
Mika said the issue has been ongoing for a number of years.
“I started eight or nine years ago asking for them to take them down,” he said. “My overhang roof is leaking – there’s a branch hanging on it right now.”
Mika said because of the shade the trees produce he has mold growing, as well. He said recently he was in the backyard when he heard a loud noise out front and discovered a large branch had fallen into his yard.
“If I had been mowing my lawn right there, I’d be dead,” he said.
Mika has owned the property since 1964 and at that time, the land in question was privately owned.
“I believe it was in the 70’s that the town took ownership,” Mika said, adding that over the years he has spent countless hours cleaning up debris in his yard created by the town trees.
“Last year during the snowstorm a big branch fell within four feet of my house, and I cleaned it up,” he said. “I’m not asking them to pay for all the years of cleanup, I just want these trees removed.”
