Little Silver Shade Tree Commission Discusses Memorial Park Dedication

Little Silver’s Shade Tree Commission met at the Borough Hall on Tuesday, March 22, to discuss upcoming projects they are working on within the town, including the dedication of Memorial Park.

Chairman Clayton Smith, Vice Chairman Darwin Spears, Linda Goff, Paul Murgio, Council Representative Robert Neff, and Marie Cutaia were in all in attendance at the meeting to go over important information regarding the planting, community outreach and the date of the dedication ceremony--which is still undecided. 

The dedication of Memorial Park is an exciting project that the Commission plans to have as staple in the community for many decades. While a date has not yet been set for the dedication, Arbor Day and Memorial Day have both been suggested.

There are six gardens that are ready to be planted, but only two gardens will definitely be filled at the present time.

The Shade Tree Commission encourages residents of the community to take part in making Memorial Park their own. The idea of planting there what they want to plant in their own gardens will give the town a sense of togetherness in honor of our Veterans.

Another issue discussed involves two trees that were removed in front of Memorial Park, located across from the Fire Department on Prospect Avenue. The Shade Tree Commission was not made aware of the tree extraction before it took place.

Typically, the Shade Tree Commission will approve removal of trees due to safety hazards or if the tree is not healthy. If the reason for removal is for aesthetic purposes, the town must plant trees in its plac, either in the same location or somewhere else.

Members of the Commission will look into this further in order to get the stumps pulled out and to decide on a location for the new trees.

Additional Concerns

Other topics discussed in the meeting included a large tree on Church Street, and whether or not it should be removed or if the sidewalk should be replaced. 

Additionally, all of the trees on Woodbine Avenue will be removed on March 29 in order for the sidewalks and curbs to be replaced and for the street to be resurfaced. 16 trees on Woodbine will be removed, and 20 will be put in as replacements.