Tree removal protested in Arlington Heights

Representatives of the Courts of Windsor townhouses Tuesday protested the recent removal of trees from adjacent property owned by Arlington Heights, saying the greenery had given them privacy and blocked their view of commercial property on U.S. Route 12.

"The wooded area was a sound barrier between our property and the heavy traffic on Route 12 and a habitat for wildlife. It's senseless," Richard Hogan, president of the homeowners association on Windsor Drive near Rand Road and Dryden Avenue, told the village board.

He said the trees had screened the view of Route 12 Rental, and their loss from the nearly 1-acre triangle of land will decrease the value of the townhouses.

Scott Shirley, director of Public Works, said only dead or dying trees and invasive species were removed. And the police department asked for clearing because teens congregate in the area.

Shirley suggested that the village forester, Owen Widmayer, tour the property with Sheryl Hogan, who also protested at the meeting, to show her which remaining trees the village plans to remove. Sheryl said after the meeting she was not satisfied.

A screen of trees by Route 12 Rental will be left, said Shirley, who also noted if dead limbs fell on someone on the property, the village could be liable.

The tree removal had been explained to a woman who told village staff she was a member of the association board, said Shirley, but Richard Hogan said the board member told him she had only asked that trees be trimmed so limbs did not fall onto townhouse property.

Mayor Arlene Mulder said the area will probably look better when the trees have leafed out in the spring. She also said the village might have to do something if the Hogans' fears of flooding materialize.