Resident Mara Lance asks Clarks Summit to order removal of dead 55-foot ash at 205 Electric Street

Mara Lance, a Clarks Summit resident, told the borough council she has repeatedly asked the absentee owner of 205 Electric Street to remove a large, dead ash tree that she said threatens her home and safety. Lance said two arborists inspected the tree and both advised immediate removal.

"The tree is a very large 55 foot dead ash tree... Two separate arborists have been to my property to evaluate the tree's health. They have both indicated that this tree is clearly dead, dangerous, poses risk to life and property," Lance said during public comment. She said she sent a certified letter to the owner last July but the property’s public address is an LLC in Brooklyn, New York, and she has no assurance the owner received the notice.

The council and staff said the borough will take steps to review the situation. Officials said Clarks Summit currently lacks a specific ordinance that allows the borough to compel a private owner to remove a hazardous private tree except where trees are a hazard to sidewalks or streets. Staff said they would send a code enforcement officer to inspect the property, review existing "quality of life" and shade-tree rules, and consult the borough solicitor about short-term remedies and whether an ordinance amendment is needed.

Lance asked how she would learn about follow-up steps; borough staff said they had sufficient documentation and would follow up with code enforcement and the solicitor. Residents in the meeting supported Lance’s request, describing recent damage from falling branches and urging prompt action to prevent injury or a catastrophic collapse.

What happens next: borough staff will conduct an inspection and the solicitor will advise whether Clarks Summit can act under an existing ordinance or if the council should draft a new rule that would allow the borough to order removal and recover costs if the owner does not act. No enforcement order was issued during the meeting.