In a rare and unusual “scoop” the first paper to carry printed word of the denial was the April edition of the Willow Glen Times. Unfortunately, the website for the monthly paper doesn’t include that story, so you’ll have to read the online report from the April 6 edition of the Willow Glen Resident instead:

For the first time since the tree controversy began in January, the Holts spoke publicly. “The only thing I want to say is I do apologize,” an emotional Anita Holt said from the podium at city hall. “If I could do it over again, I would, and I would do it the correct way.”

Several neighbors had little sympathy for the Holts, and said the couple wanted to remove the trees to build a larger house.

According to a city memo, the owner was informed verbally and in writing of the need for tree-removal permits before the removals.

Having long ago moved onto other, more depressing news from WG, the SJ Mercury News did not report on the appeal.

Homeowners appeal city’s tree ruling

Todd and Anita Holt have appealed the San Jose planning director’s decision to grant an after-the-fact permit for the illegal removal of several sycamore trees.

Two of the three trees removed from the Holts’ Camino Ricardo property were large enough to require permits. At a Feb. 14 planning director’s hearing, the homeowners were mandated to replace the two trees with 20 trees, including two trees near the vicinity of those that fell. The bulk of the trees, 16, will be donated to nonprofit organization Our City Forest.

At the hearing, the Holts’ attorney was amenable to replacing the trees, but said replanting the trees in the same spot was “punitive.” He also requested the trees be planted after a home is constructed on the property. The planning staff disagreed.

The appeal will go before the San Jose Planning Commission on March 28. The meeting takes place in San Jose City Hall council chambers, 200 E. Santa Clara St., at 6:30 p.m.

The public may review permit-related documents at city hall before the meeting, and may address comments and questions to project manager Rebekah Ross via email at rebekah.ross@sanjoseca.gov.

Several residents praised the city’s proposal at the San Jose planning director’s hearing, adding that developers have razed trees in the neighborhood so they can construct larger homes to turn bigger profits.

“I think it’s important that illegal tree removals not be considered the cost of doing business,” Settle Avenue resident Nancy Garrison said.

She also commended the city’s recommendation that two of the trees be planted within 5 feet of their original position.

The property owners are entitled to an appeal, if they choose. WGx will keep you posted …

To: elist@wgna.net
Sent: Friday, February 9, 2007 10:41:16 PM
Subject: [WGNA] FWD: mitigation for the removal of the sycamore trees.

… This draft Permit reflects Planning staff’s recommendation to our Director regarding this Tree Removal Permit. I am still coordinating with our Department management and other City staff to finalize the language of the draft prior to the hearing, but I wanted to get the draft out to the property owners (and the community) prior to the weekend. I would greatly appreciate it if you could share this information with others who may be interested.

The key element of the draft permit that may be of interest to you are the project conditions. We are obviously very interested in community feedback on the issues associated with this Permit and on our initial recommendation, and appreciate any comments that people would like to e-mail to us prior to the hearing or provide verbally at the hearing. …

It would be helpful if e-mails could be directed to me at erin.morris@sanjoseca.gov and/or Rebekah Ross, the project manager, at rebekah.ross@sanjoseca.gov. While Rebekah will be out of the office on Monday, I will be in and generally available all day, should you have any questions or wish to discuss the draft permit.

Erin L. Morris
Senior Planner
PBCE - Plan Implementation Division
ph 408/ 535-7846
fax 408/ 292-6055
erin.morris@sanjoseca.gov