PennDOT to pay for tree removal

PennDOT representatives have agreed to remove dozens of Broad Avenue trees damaged last week by what some called overzealous pruning, city officials said at a Wednesday council meeting.

But the mangled trees - their limbs shorn by contractors during routine maintenance work - could remain in place until November, City Manager Joe Weakland said.

City officials will hold a public meeting in about a month to solicit requests and ideas from those living near the affected trees, which Weakland and Mayor Bill Schirf stressed don't pose a falling threat to cars or passers-by. They could eventually be replaced, but work will be postponed until fall because of statewide tree-removal restrictions meant to protect the endangered Indiana bat, Weakland said.

Mirror photo by William Kibler PennDOT?has agreed to remove dozens of trees damaged last week along Broad Avenue, city officials said Wednesday.

PennDOT "agreed to take out almost all of the trees," Weakland said.

The possible replacements could be smaller and more manageable than their predecessors, Schirf said. Some of the trees are small enough to remain.

PennDOT representatives were not available for comment Wednesday evening.

"What we're looking for is a way to remedy a very serious issue ... something that should not have happened," Schirf told reporters after the meeting.

PennDOT representatives have been cooperative, agreeing to pay for the tree removal, he said.

Who will pay other expenses, like replacement trees and possible sidewalk repairs, still has to be determined, but residents won't be asked to pay for the new trees, Schirf said.

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PennDOT to pay for tree removal