Lovers Lane Tree Again Up for Discussion

Just when the fate of one Ocean Springs tree had been decided, Mayor Connie Moran says not so fast. Hours after an attorney and Lovers Lane resident filed a bill of exception to keep the tree standing, the mayor agreed and vetoed a decision made by the Board of Aldermen to cut it down.
An appeal to the Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen’s decision to cut down one tree canvasing Lovers Lane and video shot by Ocean Springs Mayor Connie Moran is putting the fate of the controversial oak back on the table. Ken Altman, a local attorney and resident of Lovers Lane, filed the appeal, hoping the board of aldermen will reconsider their decision. “The board of aldermen did not have enough information to make the decision that they made.”
Originally, the Ocean Springs fire chief and an arborist hired by the city found that the tree is stable but it delays the fire department’s ladder truck from maneuvering down the street in a timely manner. That’s why the board of aldermen supported its removal. Mayor Moran decided to complete her own tests and posted a video to Facebook. “There is no safety hazard that the fire truck clearly makes it with many feet to spare and safely goes around the tree,” said Altman.
Altman isn’t the only one fighting for the tree’s life. Recently residents have adorned the tree, showing their support. “It’s been a really special thing that’s come up over the past couple of weeks that signs have spontaneously shown up on the tree, ribbons have been tied on the tree. Neighbors have signs in their yard that say ‘save the tree,” said Altman.
Dr. Joanne Calhoun lives on the property that houses the tree. She stands behind any option other than removal. “There are other ways of widening the street rather than taking the tree out. It could be widened on the other side of the street.”
The new video will be used as evidence during Tuesday’s board of aldermen meeting where a new fate for the beloved tree could be made.

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