Arlington Conservation Commission Postpones Decision on Removal of Magnolia Park Trees: Report

Photo Credit: Saving the Redwood Tree During Magnolia Renovations Change.Org Petition

ARLINGTON, MA—The Arlington Conservation Commission has postponed a decision on the fate of four trees in Magnolia Park after the issue was brought back to the commission on June 14, reports the Arlington Advocate.

According to the report, the Conservation Commission voted to unanimously to delay the decision during its July 14 meeting. On July 16, the commission approved all plans for a renovation of the park except for the removal of the trees, leaving the Arlington Recreation Commission to weigh its options for proceeding.

The Advocate reports that a debate and final vote are tentatively scheduled for the commission's July 21 meeting.

Park and Recreation commission chairwoman Jennifer Rothenberg told Patch in a previous interview that it is unlikely that the community garden could be expanded without the removal of the trees.

"We're not out to cut trees down, but we're responsible for 27 parks and playgrounds in Arlington," Rothenberg told Patch."We have to make sure we have variation and parks that work for the community as a whole."

A petition to Rothenberg and former Recreation Department director Joseph Connelly to save the Magnolia Tree currently has 497 supporters, according to Change.org.

Read more from the Arlington Advocate here.

Rothenberg and the Save Arlington Redwoods neighborhood group were not immediately available for comment. Check back with Patch for updates.