Mansfield Senior Denied Permission to Chop Down North Main St. Pine Tree

The beautification project of Mansfield senior Logan Marks faced a minor setback Wednesday night when the selectmen voted 4-1 to save a pine tree located on North Main Street near Barrows Insurance Agency.

Originally, Marks wanted to remove the tree and replace it with a smaller tree as part of his senior project to beautify areas of Mansfield. DPW Chief and Tree Warden Lee Azinheira mentioned that he felt the tree would cause trouble when it was initially planted.

“When the tree went in, I knew that eventually we would have to remove it,” Azinheira said.

Azineheira added that the tree could grow to a point where it could encroach on to the side walk. There is the option to cut at the bottom of the tree, but it would not look good according to Azineheria.

In addition, The tree is estimated to be about 17 years old and 22 feet high which could provide problems during a storm.

While the proposal had the endorsement of Azinheira, a majority of selectmen could not be convinced to take the tree down.

“I’m not big on cutting trees to plant a smaller tree. I’m hard pressed to remove it,” Selectman George Dentino said. “The tree isn’t dying and height is not a problem. You can trim the bottom easily. I haven’t seen or heard anything that we need to cut this tree down."

Jess Apowitz, who also voted to save the tree, added that he has received support for keeping the tree.

“I’ve had residents call me about the tree and bottom line is they want it saved. The people who have called me, I have to go with their wishes. They live in the area and they like it,” Apowitz said.

Selectmen Doug Annino was the only member of the board to vote against saving the tree, arguing it is a good chance to encourage interest in planting trees around town.

“I respect other resident’s opinions but we as a board have to set precedent and do what’s best for the entire town,” Annino said. “I would like to see more street trees planted. We now have someone interested in planting on a public land so it’s a good precedent."

The request to remove the tree was part of Mark’s senior project to help beautify areas of Mansfield including around the Qualters Middle School and Jordan/Jackson School signs. Marks said he would revise his plan as the pine tree blocks sunlight around the area, effecting what can be planted.