Lover Lane Trees Pose Safety Hazard
Ocean Springs is a city known for its abundance and protection of beautiful oak trees. Sometimes, those trees can prohibit growth or even be a safety hazard. One tree in particular is on the popular Lovers Lane and the city says it’s dangerous but residents are skeptical about removing them.
Take a stroll down Lovers Lane and it’s not hard to see that the low hanging trees add character and beauty to the city of Ocean Springs. Lovers Lane resident Dr. Joanne Calhoun said, “They are the focus of Lovers Lane and the trees arch over the lane and really the canopy is just beautiful.”
Calhoun has lived on Lovers Lane for over 30 years. The tree in her front yard that serves as a canopy over the street has recently been a focal point of controversy. Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran said, “It causes a bottleneck, making it difficult for our fire ladder truck to pass. They must significantly slow down and even a matter of seconds could be life threatening in the case of a fire.”
The city hired an arborist who says the tree should be considered for removal because there is no root system and it appears hollow. Calhoun hired her own arborist who says quite the opposite. “He says the tree is healthy. That’s a very good reason for saving the tree,” said Calhoun.
In a public meeting, a crowd of Lovers Lane residents backed Calhoun in support of their beloved oak trees, hoping that the trees will be protected. A survey done by Compton Engineering says the tree is six feet inside the city’s right of way on the east side and the decision will be up to the board of alderman. “It’s not just a limb that’s the problem. It’s the actual trunk of the tree itself. So, they have to determine whether or not to take it out,” said Moran.
But cutting out this tree could erase decades of history for many residents.
Take a stroll down Lovers Lane and it’s not hard to see that the low hanging trees add character and beauty to the city of Ocean Springs. Lovers Lane resident Dr. Joanne Calhoun said, “They are the focus of Lovers Lane and the trees arch over the lane and really the canopy is just beautiful.”
Calhoun has lived on Lovers Lane for over 30 years. The tree in her front yard that serves as a canopy over the street has recently been a focal point of controversy. Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran said, “It causes a bottleneck, making it difficult for our fire ladder truck to pass. They must significantly slow down and even a matter of seconds could be life threatening in the case of a fire.”
The city hired an arborist who says the tree should be considered for removal because there is no root system and it appears hollow. Calhoun hired her own arborist who says quite the opposite. “He says the tree is healthy. That’s a very good reason for saving the tree,” said Calhoun.
In a public meeting, a crowd of Lovers Lane residents backed Calhoun in support of their beloved oak trees, hoping that the trees will be protected. A survey done by Compton Engineering says the tree is six feet inside the city’s right of way on the east side and the decision will be up to the board of alderman. “It’s not just a limb that’s the problem. It’s the actual trunk of the tree itself. So, they have to determine whether or not to take it out,” said Moran.
But cutting out this tree could erase decades of history for many residents.
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