KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo County board may be wading into the red-hot south county tree controversy after all.
The Road Commission of Kalamazoo County’s plans to reduce traffic crashes by spending a $25-million federal “Safe Streets” grant to remove hundreds of trees has been bitterly opposed for months by property owners.
Dozens again turned out at yesterday’s road commission meeting, and last night’s county board meeting, imploring county commissioners to stop what they call the “tree massacre.”
Road Commission of Kalamazoo County chair Dave Pawlowski says the road commission board was created to insure that there is good decision making when it comes to road construction.
The county board has contended that the only authority it has over the road commission is to appoint its members.
They have now received legal opinions from the citizens group and the road commission that differ greatly on where their authority ends.
Save The Trees Kalamazoo has also asked the county board to make a series of demands on the road commission: release a list of the targeted trees; explain why removing them will make the roads safer; identify their statutory authority; and create a committee to review their decisions.
They are also asking the county to determine if they can seek an injunction to block tree removal, approve an ordinance banning the destruction of healthy trees, and to alter how road commissioners are appointed.
Last night, county commissioners asked their own legal counsel to weigh in on whether they have any authority in the matter.
Attorney Lewis Smith responded.
Chair Jen Strebs also asked the road commission to hold off any action until they have chance to review their attorney’s opinion at their next meeting.
The county board can ask, but it may be up to the road commission board and whether they have signed contracts with tree crews waiting to get to work.
The dispute has been raging for months.
Last night, chairman Pawloski said they have already had to wait until October 1st to begin removing trees, because they have been ordered to protect the endangered Indiana Brown Nose Bat.
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