Residents in Clemens Mills area are reeling after a row of trees and shrubs that provided privacy to their backyards were unexpectedly ripped up and cut down last week.
Residents who back onto A. Wayne Taylor Park were shocked to find out that they were losing valuable privacy when the city began removing the trees last Friday without warning.
"The question is why take away the privacy of the homes and take away 23 years of perfectly fine plants and trees," said Gwenda Eagles who lives near the park.
The City of Cambridge acknowledges the residents' concerns, but say they removed the bushes and trees due to a large growth of invasive species.
Micheal Hausser, director of operations for the city apologizes for the lack of communication between staff and residents and thinks the process to remove the trees could have gone a bit slower.
"We were responding to concerns about overgrowth and invasive species and this happened to be a very large cleanup," Hausser said. "In hindsight maybe we could have done it in smaller increments."
Members of the community took to social media to protest the city's decision.
"The city came by yesterday and tore it all down. It’s absolutely heartbreaking; no explanation, no notice, nothing," wrote Janine Wilson. "So sad and upsetting for the community. It appears they have no obligation to notify anyone because it’s city property."
"This is a disgraceful use of taxpayer dollars. They can find the budget to destroy something that has survived for well over 25 years, enjoyed by wildlife but they can’t find a penny to repair the pathway through that very same park that is a danger to everyone. Shameful," added Marilyn Taylor.
The city admits that this situation has raised awareness about how staff need to be more open and inclusive with their practices by providing more public consultation.
Cambridge councillor for the area, Nicholas Ermeta maintains that he did not authorize the tree cutting and found out about it the same time residents did.
"As soon as I found out, I notified staff right away that I was very upset about what had happened and that I want this fixed right away," added Ermeta. "They have apologized and are making every attempt to resolve this issue."
City staff have since met with the upset residents and discussed next steps on how to move forward.
When significant changes like this are proposed in the future, residents and the ward councillor will be contacted for input, he said.
The grass will be seeded later this week and new trees are being planted in the fall. Residents will also have input into the types of trees the city plants.
"I'd like to see fast growing trees that will provide greater privacy for the residents since they want their privacy back. It would also help honour our commitments to maintain and increase our tree canopy," Ermeta said.
"I wish we had found another way to address the concerns and it has now been realized by staff that it was too much a change."
