Save the Court Square Trees

We are writing to express our dissatisfaction with the Harrisonburg City Councils September 25th decision to relocate two trees located on Court Square in front of the building that houses Court Square Theater, Callys, and Downtown Wine and Gourmet.

The two trees in question are a wonderful part of the Court Square environment. They lend both shade and beauty to the downtown area and, if left alone, will continue to do so for generations to come.

We understand that any attempt to relocate these trees would likely require a large part of their root systems to be excavated from below the sidewalk and street of Court Square. We fear this excavation may result in yet another downtown pedestrian thoroughfare closing. We also understand that attempting to relocate these trees will likely result in their deaths.

In addition to our fears regarding the sidewalk closure and death of the trees we are concerned about the possible high costs of relocation. We feel that using our tax dollars to relocate our citys trees at the request of private businesses is not a precedent that should be set. Removing these trees will allow any other local business to justifiably request the same service. Using our tax dollars to remove even one tree is too much, let alone all of the trees which may block the signage of other private businesses.

Furthermore we feel the public was not made aware that the fate of these trees was going to be discussed during the September 25th meeting. Had this topic been listed on the meetings agenda we could have aired our dissatisfaction prior to the Councils decision.

With this in mind, we humbly request that the council members reconsider their decision.

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.