From Police Salary To Trees: 3 Things To Know In Arlington

ARLINGTON, MA — In case you missed it the Arlington Board of Selectmen met Monday night, here are three things to know about what happened.

1. Arlington Police make more money on average than neighboring communities. Compensation and Survey Study for the Town of Arlington showed that Arlington police officers make $10,000 above average when compared with neighboring communities, including Brookline.

2. The Bicycle Share program pilot has been postponed. The plan was to pilot a dockless bike share system in town this fall, but after some consideration the working group decided to get police, DPW and more representation from the community before coming back in the Spring with a pilot program.

(Check out the article on that: Bike Group Puts Breaks On Bike Share Program In Arlington)

3. The developer who cut down a tree on a property and was about to cut down another massive tree to the protests of neighbors has cut a deal with the town and sent apologies to neighbors. Following a public meeting where several Webcowet Road residents protests the treatment of trees on their road, the assistant town manager began meeting with developer and excavation company. There's been an agreement: Keith Lombardi will make a $6,000 to the town trees fund. If the tree does not survive the construction or the placement of the driveway, Lombardi agreed to buy the largest tree possible for replacement. That amount would be higher than any fine that the town would be levied against him for destroying the tree. He's also agreed to put in place a tree protection plan. He's hired an arborist and will pay for the plan in question, which adds up to some $3,580, to be implemented soon.

The Tree warden is still evaluating the placement of the driveway, but once that is determined the hold that had been placed on the building permit will now be released. CJ Daugherty will also give a $1,500 donation to the Arlington Tree Committee, and it will be earmarked for construction-related tree care. The owner will also train employees by the end of October.

"I think it sends a message loud clear and publicly that the town is not going to tolerate this kind of behavior," said the town manager.

(Catch up on this issue: Arlington Residents Rally To Save Trees And Win — For Now)

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch