Burger King representative says tree company removed live trees near brook; commission asks for wetland specialist and operator to appear

Mark Ro, who identified himself as director of construction and facilities maintenance for the site at 9 Crawford Street, told the commission that he had requested the removal of deadfall near the restaurant’s drive-through for safety. He said the tree company cleared more than requested and removed live trees; Ro said he had contacted the public works department before hiring the tree crew and that there was some miscommunication about property ownership and scope of work.

Commissioners reviewed aerials and GIS mapping and discussed jurisdictional limits (noting the commission’s practical focus is from when a culvert daylights to where it re-enters and that an estimated 200-foot corridor can fall under commission oversight). Commissioners asked the property representative to bring the tree company/operator to the next hearing so they can explain why live trees were cut and to engage a wetland specialist to prepare a restoration plan. The commission continued the matter to June 9 to allow the operator and a wetland professional to respond and to develop a planting and restoration proposal.

Commissioners noted the need to recover shade and reduce potential warming of the brook, and emphasized that notice of intent or prior coordination with the commission could have avoided the escalation.