Attachment 19 - Public Correspondence — Santa Rosa City Council, June 4, 2024

From: Murray, Susie
To: Evan Hughes
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal" Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 12:03:00 PM
Evan,
You’re not bother. I encourage anyone with strong thoughts on the tree, either to save or remove it, to participate in the process (i.e. provide comments in person or in writing). Thank you for doing so.

Sincerely,
Susie
Susie Murray |
Senior Planner | Staff Liaison to the Cultural Heritage Board Planning and Economic Development |100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Tel. (707) 543-4348 | Fax (707) 543-3269 | [email protected] From: Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:58 AM
To:

Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"
Susie,
Thanks so much and sorry to bug you; the tree in question means a lot to the folks living on my street and we appreciate the heads-up!
Best,
Evan Hughes
On Tue, Sep 12, 2023 at 5:48 PM Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Evan,
Yes, the item was continued to 9/14, this coming Thursday, at 4:30. Here’s the Zoom Access Information:

Link: https://srcity-org.zoom.us/j/84330527584
Attachment 19

Toll Free: 877 853 5257

Webinar ID: 843 3052 7584

Sorry for the delay in my response.

Susie

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, September 12, 2023 4:49 PM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Susie,

Just wanted to check in again, I know you're probably extremely busy but I was hoping to attend the Planning Commission meeting on 9/14; is it at 4:30pm?

Thanks so much,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

On Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 8:36
PM Evan Hughes <[email protected]> wrote:

Susie,

Sorry to bug you; I was at the Planning Commission meeting last week and it sounds like they’re pushing the decision to the next Commission meeting on 9/14.

Will this meeting also be at
4:30pm?

Thanks so much,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Evan,

The applicant has appealed the decision to deny their permit.

The Planning Commission will
be asked to act on the request to remove the tree.

There will be time for public comments.

Typically, people are limited to three minutes; if a lot of people (20+ maybe) want to speak, the time can be limited to two minutes.

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 3:55 PM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Susie,

Thanks so much for the heads up; can I ask what's being discussed at the meeting on 8/24?

Is the tree still being targeted for removal?

Either way I will be sure to pencil that date in.

Thanks again,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

On Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 3:44
PM Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Evan,

We are tentatively scheduled to go before the Planning Commission on August 24th; the meeting will begin at 4:30. When the date is confirmed, a Notice of Public Hearing will be mailed and two signs will be posted onsite (one facing 2nd Street & Pierce Street, and the other facing Montgomery Drive).

I thought you might to pencil it in.

Susie

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 11:35 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Ms. Murray,

I hadn't seen or heard anything regarding the proposed removal of the Bunya Bunya Tree located at 50 Montgomery Drive
(TR22-062) and I wanted to make sure I didn't miss
something.

Was the proposal (hopefully) rejected?

Thanks so much,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

On Thu, Oct 13, 2022 at 11:02 AM Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Evan,

Thank you for sending in your comments.

I will be sending a Notice of Action when I act
of the requested tree removal.

If you haven’t heard anything by the first week of
December, feel free to check back in for a status update.

Susie

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 11:00 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Susie

Murray, Senior Planner, City of Santa Rosa
I am writing to respond to the proposed removal of the Bunya Bunya Tree located at 50 Montgomery Drive (TR22-062). I provided written comment in 2019 when Ms. King attempted to have the tree removed, and my previous comments still hold true.

I live on
Pierce St. roughly 100 ft from this tree.

I've spoken with my neighbors, and we were all
shocked to hear that the Bunya Bunya tree might be destroyed.

This tree is a very rare species, native to Australia and capable of growing in only a limited range of habitats.

Given its size, it is almost certainly over 110 years old and was alive and growing decades before the nearby houses and offices were built in the early 20th century.

Luther Burbank himself had a Bunya Bunya tree growing in his home garden for many years, and their rarity in the US suggests that he very likely had a hand in planting and/or protecting the tree currently facing removal.

Large mature trees like this are a precious resource, made more vital with the now- yearly threat of wildfire.

They beautify our streets and neighborhoods and provide shade to passersby as well as a habitat for various wild animals.

They are an essential
part of what makes Santa Rosa such a special place to live, and once these giants are gone there is nothing that people can build to replace them, and no amount of money can bring them back.

Thank you for considering these comments.

I know this is a small project but I sincerely
hope the City considers other solutions to mitigate whatever issues the tree is presenting to the applicant.

if there will be a public hearing, please let me know, I would love to attend.

Thank you again,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

From: Buckheit, Lani
To: _PLANCOM - Planning Commission
Cc: Meads, Shari; Guerrero Auna, Beatriz; Murray, Susie Subject: Late Correspondence Items 7.1 and 10.1
Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 6:02:00 PM
Attachments: 7.1 - REVISED Presentation.pdf

7.1 - COMBINED Correspondence.pdf

10.1 - Arborist Response (Frey, September 8, 2023).pdf

10.1 - Public Correspondence.pdf
- PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO ALL -

Chair Weeks and members of the Planning Commission,

The reason for this email is to provide you with late correspondence for items 7.1 – Draft GP and

10.1 - Bunya Bunya scheduled for tomorrow’s PC meeting. Please see attached.

This will also be added to the agenda.

Thank you!
Lani Buckheit |
Administrative Secretary
Planning & Economic Development Department |100 Santa Rosa Ave. Rm 3 | Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Tel. (707) 543-3226 | [email protected]

From: Murray, Susie
To: Evan Hughes
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Re: Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal" Date: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 12:03:00 PM
Evan,

You’re not bother.

I encourage anyone with strong thoughts on the tree, either to save or remove it, to participate in the process (i.e. provide comments in person or in writing).

Thank you for doing so.

Sincerely,

Susie

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2023 10:58 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Re: Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Susie,

Thanks so much and sorry to bug you; the tree in question means a lot to the folks living on my street and we appreciate the heads-up!

Best,

Evan Hughes

On Tue, Sep 12, 2023 at 5:48
PM Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Evan,

Yes, the item was continued to 9/14, this coming Thursday, at 4:30.

Here’s the Zoom Access
Information:

Link: https://srcity-org.zoom.us/j/84330527584

Toll Free: 877 853 5257

Webinar ID: 843 3052 7584

Sorry for the delay in my response.

Susie

From:

Susie,

Just wanted to check in again, I know you're probably extremely busy but I was hoping to attend the Planning Commission meeting on 9/14; is it at 4:30pm?

Thanks so much,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

On Mon, Aug 28, 2023 at 8:36
PM Evan Hughes <[email protected]> wrote:

Susie,

Sorry to bug you; I was at the Planning Commission meeting last week and it sounds like they’re pushing the decision to the next Commission meeting on 9/14.

Will this meeting also be at
4:30pm?

Thanks so much,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558
On Wednesday, July 12, 2023, Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Evan,

The applicant has appealed the decision to deny their permit.

The Planning Commission will
be asked to act on the request to remove the tree.

There will be time for public comments.

Typically, people are limited to three minutes; if a lot of people (20+ maybe) want to speak, the time can be limited to two minutes.

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 3:55 PM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Susie,

Thanks so much for the heads up; can I ask what's being discussed at the meeting on 8/24?

Is the tree still being targeted for removal?

Either way I will be sure to pencil that date in.

Thanks again,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

On Tue, Jul 11, 2023 at 3:44
PM Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Evan,

I thought you might to pencil it in.

Susie

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, December 5, 2022 11:35 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [EXTERNAL] Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Ms. Murray,

I hadn't seen or heard anything regarding the proposed removal of the Bunya Bunya Tree located at 50 Montgomery Drive
(TR22-062) and I wanted to make sure I didn't miss
something.

Was the proposal (hopefully) rejected?

Thanks so much,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

On Thu, Oct 13, 2022 at 11:02 AM Murray, Susie <[email protected]> wrote:

Hi Evan,

Thank you for sending in your comments.

I will be sending a Notice of Action when I act
of the requested tree removal.

If you haven’t heard anything by the first week of
December, feel free to check back in for a status update.

Susie

From:

Evan Hughes <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, October 4, 2022 11:00 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Comment Regarding Proposal #TR22-062 "Bunya Bunya - Tree Removal"

Susie

I live on
Pierce St. roughly 100 ft from this tree.

I've spoken with my neighbors, and we were all
shocked to hear that the Bunya Bunya tree might be destroyed.

This tree is a very rare species, native to Australia and capable of growing in only a limited range of habitats.

Given its size, it is almost certainly over 110 years old and was alive and growing decades before the nearby houses and offices were built in the early 20th century.

Large mature trees like this are a precious resource, made more vital with the now- yearly threat of wildfire.

They beautify our streets and neighborhoods and provide shade to passersby as well as a habitat for various wild animals.

Thank you for considering these comments.

I know this is a small project but I sincerely
hope the City considers other solutions to mitigate whatever issues the tree is presenting to the applicant.

if there will be a public hearing, please let me know, I would love to attend.

Thank you again,

Evan Hughes
707-721-2558

From: Patrice Giansante
To: Murray, Susie
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Re: Public Comment: Bunya Bunya Tree Removal Date: Saturday, August 26, 2023 9:20:49 AM
Hi Susie,
Can you please let us know how it went for the Bunya Bunya? Thanks so much, Patrice
> On Aug 22, 2023, at 10:31 AM, Patrice Giansante <[email protected]> wrote:
>
> Dear Members of the Planning Commission,
> My husband and I are opposed to the removal of this very old, healthy and stately tree on Second Street.

Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the Planning Commission Meeting on Thursday, August 24. >
> We live on Stanford Street and walk by this tree several times a week. This is the second letter to the City we have sent.
>
> There is another Bunya Bunya tree on the Square downtown. Certainly if the tree is healthy and properly maintained it is not a nuisance. It seems like the tree on Second Street can also be properly maintained and allowed to live.
>
> This tree is older than any of us.
>
> Thank you for your consideration.
>
> Patrice and Thomas Giansante
> 123 Stanford Street
> Santa Rosa, CA 95404
>
>
From: Murray, Susie
To: Deborah Roberts
Subject: RE: [EXTERNAL] Project TR22-062 Bunya Bunya Tree Removal Permit request at 1080 2nd St.

Date: Saturday, October 28, 2023 12:36:00 PM
Deborah,

Welcome back and thank you for you comments.

While you were gone, the Planning Commission
denied a Appeal and upheld the Director’s decision to deny the removal of the tree.

The Salvation
Army has now appealed the Planning Commission’s action to the Council.

I expect that hearing will
occur early in 2024.

Feel free to follow-up for an update in a month or so.

In the meantime, I’ll add
your comments to the public record, and will provide a copy to the Council prior to them taking action.

Have a nice weekend.

Susie

From:

Deborah Roberts <[email protected]>
Sent: Saturday, October 28, 2023 10:34 AM
To: Murray, Susie <[email protected]>
Subject: [EXTERNAL] Project TR22-062 Bunya Bunya Tree Removal Permit request at 1080 2nd St.

Dear Susie Murray, Project Planner City of Santa Rosa,

I most recently

returned from a leave of absence this summer

as the

Director of
Clinical Services at the

Jewish Community Free Clinic (JCFC) to discover

I had
missed the meeting regarding the removal of the magnificent

tree behind our
building.

The clinic has been at 50 Montgomery for nearly 10 years and we have enjoyed this treasure of the city

in our backyard for its shade,

beauty, and uniqueness
during that time.

Regarding

the trees

natural cycles, our parking lot is situated under a portion of the tree.

We are well aware of these cycles and take care as the tree is renewing and growing. As a volunteer organization, we are happy to remove the debri left by the tree on our property

and directly under the tree itself, as we have for years, to be good neighbors and help maintain the

sidewalks and beauty of the area.

We are proud to
be a part of the Santa Rosa

community and maintain a property

that is welcoming
and safe to all.

I am sure safety has been brought up as a concern as the tree is directly across the street from senior

housing. There are dozens of trees in this area including large redwoods and oak trees that

also

have natural cycles that

shed natural tree debri that
may cause a hazard. There are sidewalks

on both sides of the street that pedestrians
may use to avoid

walking under the Bunya Bunya tree.

Adjacent

to the tree is also a garden plot.

The residents of Silvercrest have secured
their separate

sections to grow vegetables, all of which are well

beyond the branches
of the tree, to avoid the shade

as this is not conducive to most growing vegetables.

A
bigger safety concern, that I witness regularly, is the lack of crosswalks in this area.

The seniors frequently cross the street at the 90 degree curve. They are

moving slowly,
often with their assistive

devices, to tend their garden or use their

car parked in

the
adjacent Silvercrest parking lot.

Many near misses have occurred involving car vs
pedestrian at this location.

In closing, we are firmly opposed to destroying such beauty.

It is old enough

to be
considered a heritage

tree and one of few of its kind in Sonoma County. The tree was growing well before the garden and the senior housing development. It would be tragic to remove this natural treasure. As a community we can take simple measures to both protect both the tree and the residents.

Thank you for your time in reading the perspective of a concerned

neighbor.

If I may
provide

additional information do not hesitate to contact me.

Best Deborah

Dr. Deborah A. Roberts

Dr. Deborah A. Roberts EdD, MSN, FNP-C, PHN, RN

Director of Clinical Services
Jewish Community Free Clinic
50 Montgomery Drive
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-585-7780
Professor Emerita, Department of Nursing
Sonoma State University
Cell 707-495-4607

Santa Rosa City CouncilJune 4, 2024

Santa Rosa City Council
June 4, 2024