Tree Work across from 17 Thacher SHore Road
Grant, Kelly
From:Williams, Kathleen
Sent:Tuesday, January 14, 2020 4:04 PM
To:White, Michael; Grant, Kelly; Erik Abdow
Cc:Colby, Jeff
Subject:Tree work across from 17 Thacher Shore Road
Attachments:17 Thacher Shore Assessor Map 121.59.pdf
Hello,
I conducted a site visit today to 17 Thacher Shore Road (across the street) and there are at least three trees which
qualify for the Scenic Road Bylaw and two which are unclear whether they are within the road right-of-way or if they are
on the conservation property. See attached location map.
In order to hold a joint hearing with the Planning Board/Tree Warden for Scenic Roads/Public Shade Tree regulations,
there needs to be a clear description (size and type) of the proposed trees to be removed and a clear description of the
work being proposed. The Scenic Road application indicates the work is “vista pruning/the view of the ocean”. It is
unclear what this means. It looks like the vista pruning proposed is to top the trees impacting the view, which would
likely kill the trees, and what is really being requested is tree removal.
I think it would be a good idea to meet at the site to review jurisdiction, the work proposed and tag the trees that would
be included in the joint public hearing notice.
rdth
I am not available until the morning of Thursday January 23 or anytime Friday January 24.
Thanks,
Kathy
----------------------------------------
Kathy Williams, PE
Yarmouth Town Planner
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664-4492
(508) 398-2231 Ext 1276
kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us
From: White, Michael
Sent: Monday, January 13, 2020 6:17 PM
To: Williams, Kathleen <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>; Grant, Kelly <KGrant@yarmouth.ma.us>; Colby, Jeff
<jcolby@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: Re: Tree work on Thacher Shore Road
Good Evening,
Ch87 has a 1.5 inch dbh restriction. Anything above that needs to go through a hearing unless it is hazardous,
then immediate action is allowed. Also, since my appointment I have not met on any site with any residents,
including Erik. I also have not received any calls or emails from him.
1
Best,
Michael White
NE-7195A
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: "Williams, Kathleen" <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>
Date: 1/13/20 2:40 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Grant, Kelly" <KGrant@yarmouth.ma.us>, "White, Michael" <MWhite@yarmouth.ma.us>, "Colby, Jeff"
<jcolby@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: RE: Tree work on Thacher Shore Road
Hi Guys,
I spoke with Erik Abdow about what he wants to do regarding “vista pruning” across from 17 Thacher Shore. He
indicated that he met with Michael at the site. He keeps insisting the trees are less than 4-inches in diameter. Scenic
Roads only apply to trees or tree limb having a diameter greater than 4-inches.
Michael – did you meet with him? Can you confirm the size of the trees? Would Public Shade Tree law apply?
Thanks,
Kathy
----------------------------------------
Kathy Williams, PE
Yarmouth Town Planner
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664-4492
(508) 398-2231 Ext 1276
kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us
From: Grant, Kelly
Sent: Monday, December 9, 2019 3:18 PM
To: White, Michael <MWhite@yarmouth.ma.us>; Williams, Kathleen <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>; Colby, Jeff
<jcolby@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: RE: Tree work on Thacher Shore Road
Thanks Michael, I have passed this information on to the people making the request.
From: White, Michael
Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2019 5:13 PM
To: Williams, Kathleen <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>; Colby, Jeff <jcolby@yarmouth.ma.us>; Grant, Kelly
<KGrant@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: Re: Tree work on Thacher Shore Road
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Hi Kelly,
As Kathy said per chapter 87 we would have to hold a shade tree hearing. If all trees are flagged in the proposed
work area, I can tag them with hearing notifications with a date in conjunction with the planning board. Feel
free to contact me with any questions about the shade tree hearing process, 7748360052.
Best,
Michael White
NE-7195A
Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone
-------- Original message --------
From: "Williams, Kathleen" <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>
Date: 12/5/19 2:29 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: "Colby, Jeff" <jcolby@yarmouth.ma.us>, "Grant, Kelly" <KGrant@yarmouth.ma.us>
Cc: "White, Michael" <MWhite@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: RE: Tree work on Thacher Shore Road
Hi Kelly,
If the trees are within the road right-of-way they would fall under the Public Shade Tree Law, which is coordinated
through the Tree Warden. In addition, Thacher Shore is a Scenic road and also falls under the Scenic Roadway Rules &
Regulations governed by the Planning Board (see attached). The Scenic Roadway Rules apply to cutting or removal of
one or more trees and/or the removal of tree limbs having a diameter greater than four (4) inches. We typically have a
joint Public Hearing with the Tree Warden/Planning Board for projects on Scenic Roads. The attached also includes the
Scenic Road application and submittal requirements.
Thanks,
Kathy
----------------------------------------
Kathy Williams, PE
Yarmouth Town Planner
1146 Route 28
South Yarmouth, MA 02664-4492
(508) 398-2231 Ext 1276
kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us
From: Colby, Jeff
Sent: Thursday, December 5, 2019 10:11 AM
To: Grant, Kelly <KGrant@yarmouth.ma.us>
Cc: Williams, Kathleen <kwilliams@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: RE: Tree work on Thacher Shore Road
Kelly,
I believe this road requires a hearing with the Planning Board for tree removal or significant pruning in the road layout.
I have copied Kathy to let her know about this request.
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Thanks,
Jeff
Jeffrey S. Colby, P.E.
Town of Yarmouth
DPW Director
99 Buck Island Road
West Yarmouth, MA. 02673
(508)398-2231 Ext 1291
From: Grant, Kelly
Sent: Wednesday, December 4, 2019 4:18 PM
To: Colby, Jeff <jcolby@yarmouth.ma.us>
Subject: Tree work on Thacher Shore Road
Hi Jeff
We have received a request for a private party to carry out vista pruning opposite 17 Thacher Shore Road. This has
come to the Commission because it is near wetlands and is also on a conservation parcel. Looking at the google earth
image, it looks to me like the majority of the work is actually within the road layout. Are you OK with them carrying out
work in this location? See red circled area below. From what I have seen so far it looks like they want to top the trees to
gain an unimpeded view from the house to the bay. The Commission may approve selective thinning of branches only,
or alternatively they may allow one tree to be taken down completely as it is a good distance from the wetland.
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Kelly Grant
Conservation Administrator
Town of Yarmouth
508-398-2231 Ext 1288
kgrant@yarmouth.ma.us
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