"Columbus locals express bafflement and disapproval towards the tree removal project"
In the heart of Columbus, a new development is underway at 1419 Double Churches Road. The property, previously owned by Land Grove LLC and C Land Properties LLC, was purchased by E&C Double Churches LLC in April for $325,000. However, the upcoming construction of a Dollar Tree store has sparked concerns among local residents.
Keith Lovett, a resident, voiced his concerns on Nextdoor, echoing the sentiments of many in the community. Sherrie Baxley, another resident, expressed her disappointment about the tree removal and the addition of a Dollar Tree in their neighbourhood. Marie Hand suggested that Dollar Tree should have been built at another location, away from the community's mature tree canopy.
Dorothy McDaniel, executive director of Trees Columbus, shares these concerns. She expressed her worry about the environmental consequences of the development, specifically the loss of the mature tree canopy. McDaniel noted that losing these trees will have an immediate impact, and it will take years for newly planted trees to replace that canopy cover.
The city's tree ordinance will be enforced with this new property, requiring a certain number of trees to be replaced. The TDU, a formula that aims to replace trees using a credit system, can be achieved by counting existing trees to be preserved, planting new trees, or combining preservation with new plantings. However, it's unclear how many trees will have to be replaced to fulfill the tree density unit requirement in the tree ordinance.
Bradford Brundidge, a resident living near the construction site, was unaware that a Dollar Tree was being built there and lamented the loss of the view of the property's trees from his backyard. He thinks the Dollar Tree is an unnecessary addition to the neighbourhood as a Family Dollar is a three-minute drive away at 2801 Double Churches Road.
When asked about community complaints about the loss of trees, Pruett, a city official, emphasized that the city's tree ordinance will be enforced with this new property. The construction began on June 17, after a permit was issued on May 6.
As the development progresses, the community is hopeful that the new trees planted will help restore the lost canopy and that the development will be in harmony with the surrounding environment. The previous sale price of the property was $966,291 two years ago, and its current value is listed as $1,156,120. The fate of the mature trees remains a topic of discussion among the residents of Columbus.
Business ventures, such as the construction of a Dollar Tree store at 1419 Double Churches Road, have sparked concerns among local residents in Columbus. Dorothy McDaniel, executive director of Trees Columbus, highlighted the potential financial cost of losing the mature tree canopy, stating that it will take years for newly planted trees to replace the lost cover.
