After a removal notice was put up on the trunk of a white oak tree on Toddy Hill Road on February 21, a public hearing was conducted on Tuesday, March 7, at 9 am, to listen to the community's thoughts on the matter.For more information see newtownbee.com/oak-stands-in-path-of-road-improvements/The Newtown Bee September 23, 2016 story "Oak Stands In Path Of Road Improvements" and February 24, 2017 story "Residents May Prompt Hearing Regarding Toddy Hill Oak Tree" newtownbee.com/residents-may-prompt-hearing-regarding-toddy-hill-oak-tree/

The oak tree, which is located on Toddy Hill Road near the intersection with Berkshire Road (State Route 34), is among the area's surrounding greenery that is set to be removed to make improvements to the intersection and reroute the road.

A handful of concerned residents and a nearby business owner attended the meeting under the large oak tree to let town representatives know their views on what should be done about the oak tree in question.

Town officials attending the conference included Tree Warden Mike McCarthy, Town Engineer Ron Bolmer, Assistant Town Engineer Dave Bratz, Director of Public Works Fred Hurley, and Deputy Director of Planning for the Land Use Department Rob Sibley.

Newtown resident Pete Sepe spoke at the meeting in favor of keeping the oak tree. He emphasized that he and other residents of Newtown enjoy living in town because of its beauty and this tree is an example of that.

Mr Sepe told the group that this particular oak tree is listed on Connecticut's Noble Tree list and, according to a local arborist, is estimated to be between 150 and 240 years old.

He asked the panel of officials to consider an alternative solution to rerouting the road that would allow for preserving the tree, saying, "How can we manage this challenge to save this asset?"

Town resident and business owner Kasia Guzy, who runs Berkshire Veterinary Hospital, also brought up the concern about losing so much greenery in the area.

Mr McCarthy told the group that the day before the meeting he had evaluated the tree's growth and condition by surveying seven spots throughout the tree. He then showed the residents the research he collected and said one particular area, near the bottom of the oak tree where its roots are, has "rotted wood."

"If we were to put the road on both sides [of the tree] it's going to be huge stress," said Mr McCarthy.

Mr Sibley explained that the town has already researched other possibilities and found that the plan they have designed is considered the best option.

"The process requires us to come out and also to review the natural resources for which this tree is," Mr Sibley explained. "Where we are with my process is that we have properly and to the best of our ability protected the assets of the floodplains and the flood ways, and protected and improved our hazard mitigation plan."

He added, "We have all the approvals associated with it."

After hearing the concerns from those who attended the hearing, Mr McCarthy stated, "I have three days to make a ruling on the tree. After the ruling is made, the town's people have up to ten days the file a suit in superior court to contest our ruling, that is the process.

"As far as I'm concerned, especially since I found rot at the bottom of the tree... my ruling is going to be that we are going to proceed with the project as stated. That being said, I would also like to add the caveat that when the project is completed that we address planting green for the people in the area."

Acknowledging the verdict Mr Sepe said, "I don't think it was investigated enough."

Mr Sepe brought up a source for the town to contact for an alternative route for the intersection that would not interfere with the tree and that he believes could work.

Mr McCarthy concluded, "With the current project the way it is designed, my decision is to remove the tree."