- Target:
- All parties responsible for the final decision regarding historical tree removal at the SH Spa
- Region:
- United States of America
As a stark contrast to the mostly all-asphalt Pinellas County, the oak trees of Safety Harbor are unique and are part of the city's charm.
But with increasing development in the northern part of the county, about 200 trees a year are being removed in the area. The latest target is the branches that have created a canopy over much of the area near the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa.
"We’re very unique in that we are surrounded by so much concrete in Pinellas County but Safety Harbor is this little haven," said Safety Harbor resident Terrie Dahl-Thomas.
Several residents were upset when they heard many of the trees surrounding the spa, some of them likely more than 100 years old, are slated to be cut down to build a parking lot.
"I think if you take a tree down, it’s almost like you kill somebody," said spa visitor Christina Pecenkovic. "You can’t reverse it.”
The trees at the spa that are already set to be removed are marked and it’s most likely too late for them because the removal was permitted through the county.
However, now the city is hoping to take some of that responsibility back.
Safety Harbor officials are working on an ordinance of their own. Mayor Andy Steingold said the city's ordinance will be tougher than the county's and will charge more for permits to remove trees.
The ordinance is still in the works and will have to go before the city commissioners for a vote.
As residents of Safety Harbor, we feel that tearing down and eliminating a large number of historical trees( most of them are 100 years old or older), downtown at the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa would be detrimental in preserving not only part of this city's history and beauty, it would also take away much of the city's charm.
Most of Safety Harbor is blessed to be adorned by these wonderful trees which is significant part of what attracts people here.
Philippe Park brings in a record number of visitors yearly specifically for the beauty of the trees surrounding the waters of Tampa Bay. If this is allowed, i feel it make cause much tention and negative actions from a great deal of Safety Harbor residents who live in this quaint community simply for the naturally beautiful landscapes and the water.
In closing, we petition that these trees be saved and worked around while implementing new parking spaces, NOT DESTROYING PART OF WHAT MAKES THIS TOWN SUCH A JEWEL TO THE RESIDENTS.
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The Stop The Removal Of The Historical Oaks At The Safety Harbor Spa petition to All parties responsible for the final decision regarding historical tree removal at the SH Spa was written by stephanie heffner and is in the category City & Town Planning at GoPetition.