A towering tree has stood over one New Jersey neighborhood for generations—and been on this earth even longer. Now, plans to build two homes on the property have neighbors fighting to make sure it stays there for generations more.
The London plane tree in Maplewood has a trunk about 6 feet across and is estimated by the township arborist to be over 270 years old. The developer says the tree needs to be removed to build the homes, while residents argue something that old and special should not be leveled for construction.
Maplewood officials have so far sided with the tree. The town arborist denied a removal permit in May, and a two-member township committee upheld that decision after the property owner appealed, Essex Review reports.
The fight may not be finished, though. On Aug. 31, FOX 5 New York wrote that residents have gathered nearly 1,900 petition signatures, and the developer could take the dispute to court.
This is No Ordinary Backyard Tree
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The tree is notable for more than its age. At about 72 inches in diameter, it is exceptionally large for a London plane, according to information shared by New Jersey’s Big Tree Conservation Program in the residents’ Change.org petition, which was launched 10 months ago.
Its exact age is only an estimate. Township arborist Rich Wolowicz put it at about 271 years old based on its size, while other estimates have ranged from roughly 175 to 300 years.
For neighbor Ellen Seidman, who started the petition, the real focus lies in identity: the tree is unusually old, exceptionally large and deeply rooted in the neighborhood. “This is no ordinary neighborhood tree,” she told Essex Review, citing the whole context of its size, shade and history as part of a bigger, one-of-a-kind part of their home’s identity.
The Town Has Already Refused to Let It Come Down
Property owner Anthony Nardone bought the site with plans to demolish the existing house, subdivide the lot and build two single-family homes. The Planning Board approved the subdivision, and the former house was demolished earlier this year, according to Essex Review.
Maplewood requires a permit before anyone can remove a tree 12 inches or more in diameter, according to the Township of Maplewood. Its rules also allow protection for trees considered rare or historic.
Nardone’s attorney argued during the appeal that this tree had never formally been designated historic and that the town therefore did not have grounds to block its removal. Township officials disagreed, finding the tree rare enough to deny the permit, according to Essex Review.
Mayor Victor DeLuca said the town still wants to allow development, but wants it done responsibly. For now, that means the tree remains standing, while the developer decides what the next few steps look like: continuing through the court system or changing the building plan.