Augusta puts a hold on Telfair Street tree removal, for now

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – A state designated champion Crepe Myrtle is just one of dozens of trees slated to be removed from Telfair Street, catching many by surprise.

“People are not informed and do not know what’s going on and that’s the frustration of it all,” said Commissioner Catherine Smith McKnight.

The complaints coming to commissioners have the city putting a hold on any more tree removal on Telfair Street.

“We find out about it after the project starts, we don’t always notice on the front end but I had a conversation with the director last night about it. We stopped all processes of cutting any trees down. We have a community meeting on Monday and try to make it work going forward,” said Commissioner Sean Frantom.

And while many in the community are upset about the tree removal, city leaders are also working on a major infrastructure project in the area.

“We need to hear the voices of the neighbors where this project is concerned because they have to live there, and they have to raise their families there. We have to make sure we’re not doing something they don’t want, but we also have to be realistic about the scope of the project as well,” said Commissioner Jordan Johnson.

“I think we need to immediately get into this idea that progress somehow means the removal of those trees. We have a tree ordinance. There’s a purpose for that and we need to understand the repercussions for our community if they’re gone,” said Tonya Bonitatibus. The Savannah Riverkeeper.

The tree community meeting is Monday, June 22 at 6 p.m. at Heritage Academy, on Greene Street where there be plenty of barking about saving the trees.

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