From: Nick Stewart
Sent: Wednesday, October 14, 2026 4:16 PM
To: Mary Gourley <[email protected]>
Cc: Public Comment Received For City Council <[email protected]> Subject: Fw: 247 Murphy Ave Tree Removal Comment Received
This is the message I received in regarding my objection to the proposed tree removal on Huntley (erroneously thought to be on Murphy). I don't think this message was attached to my response which I just forwarded to you.
The City did not handle the original driveway permit well. Without a site visit, it was not noted that the tree in question had not been portrayed on the application as it should have been. I don't want to see this tree removed due to procedural mistakes and some guesswork about the "probable" damage to its roots.
Thanks for your consideration and oversight of this matter, Nick Stewart Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android
----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Nick Stewart"
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]> Sent: Wed, Oct 14, 2026 at 3:57 PM
Subject: Re: 247 Murphy Ave Tree Removal Comment Received I'm really upset about this tree being removed. I believe the City was lax in it's review of the driveway permit, and that the City needs to revise its review procedures to ensure a site visit. Before granting a removal permit, the City should interview the people who did the driveway excavation and determine what roots they did encounter and sever. The arborist's report only guesses at "probable" damage to structural roots. More diligence is required to determine whether this tree is fatally compromised. Please obtain a second arborist opinion, after consulting with the previous construction contractor, before making your decision.
I would also point out that the requirement to plant a Redwood (if the pine is in fact removed) is contrary to the Tree Protection Code. Redwoods are not actually native to Sebastopol. A more appropriate choice would be a Douglas Fir. And, the Code requires TWO 15 gallon replacement trees.
Sent from AT&T Yahoo Mail on Android