Historic preservation commission urges changes after contractors’ heavy tree pruning in Hyman Heights

Members of the Historic Preservation Commission reported extensive pruning of street- and yard-trees in the Hyman Heights neighborhood and urged the city to pursue policy changes and better coordination with utility crews.

Jim Walter of the Historic Preservation Commission presented photos he said show magnolias and maples that were pruned or 'butchered' by utility crews working for Duke Power (the presenter also referred to a contractor identified in the transcript as 'Onslaught'). Walter asked the city to require 30 days’ notice before large-scale trimming, to have a Duke engineer or arborist coordinate plans with a city representative, to require a Certificate of Appropriateness (COA)-style review for cuts over 6 inches in diameter and to seek homeowner compensation if trees die as a result.

Council members and staff acknowledged the concern. A staff speaker reported Sam Hayes (Community Development) has been in contact with Duke and that discussions are ongoing; staff noted the possibility of corrective pruning, and said staff is exploring procedures for a COA or pre-maintenance review and will keep the Historic Preservation Commission and council informed.

Walter and other commissioners said the commission will continue to coordinate with the tree board and pursue mitigation actions to protect historic properties near utility lines.