We love trees!

This letter is written in response to the article in last week's Press regarding new plantings on the corner triangle at Walcott and High streets. There is an untold story that began on May 9, 2005 with an application for the America the Beautiful Grant with permission from then Town Administrator Mark Haddad. A year and a new town administrator later,the tree-planting issue began. Two trees planned for a traffic median-one a sweetgum, fast growing to a height of 50 to 60 feet with a 30-foot spread, and a Japanese scholar, which would grow to 40 to 60 feet with a spread of 30 feet. Is this a proper planting for a small traffic island? Not until that time did we have any contact with the tree warden concerning a project that would greatly impact our water views and property values. And so the saga began - telephone calls and meetings. We were told if the trees grew too tall they could be trimmed or removed.

We thank Bruce Keiser and Emmet Turley of the town tree committee for its support and underlying concerns about random planting of trees anywhere in town without a master plan, and the application for a grant for new plantings that would directly impact taxpayers' property values without advising those residents.

The purpose of a tree warden and the tree committee is to enhance property values, enhance the aesthetics and general quality of life on the island, and maintain the island's rural character. The tree warden was vested with "police powers" for the purpose of enforcing his duties. When the tree warden and the committee have the power to override the town administrator and taxpayers, something is amiss.

As residents and taxpayers, we have every right to apply for a position on any committee in Jamestown and the town Tree Preservation and Protection Committee is no exception. Our interest is to enhance the environment.

In answer to some negative comments by a member of the tree committee as to our not liking trees, we have exactly 32 trees of various species on our property. Global warming? Just ride over the bridges to this beautiful island to see that Jamestown is filled with trees. We love trees when proper plantings are in the proper place, when homeowners are consulted and when a master plan is in place. Considering the taxes that homeowners with water views pay, it is important that a master plan be created for the planting of trees on the island.

Rita Antine, Anthony Antine,

Walcott Avenue