Beloved tree endangered

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A lack of concern and thought was in play today, Oct. 8, for the Corlear Avenue Sycamore. Our sister tree. 

The over 175-year-old Sycamore has had a tough life on Corlear Avenue as I have known it in the 50 years I have played around it. I sought protection as a youth hiding behind it when playing or when the Bronx was a bit tougher at times. In periods of my youth, I felt its secure presence and bond to the neighborhood. 

The Sycamore never judged, never grudged — just grew on the good soil and water from Tibbett’s Brook. The brook was running below it for a time before development grew all around it and altered the stream’s path. 

The block and community fought to save that tree, and it was just assaulted without checks and balances by all involved. 

The 3050 Sycamore Court apartment building was built around the canopy of the Sycamore to ensure the tree’s ability to perform photosynthesis. 

I watched today while calling the police with my neighbor Dennis O’Flynn to try to have a discussion about what was to take place to the Sister Sycamore tree, as it is known. Community involvement was not in play when this building’s owner sought a permit and a contractor whose truck described him as a “Certified Arborist Master Craftsman” at 15 Marble Hill Ave.

I asked just who was the arborist on the job today and for certifications for this work, but was thwarted in my efforts. Two police officers assumed all responsibility of enabling four day laborers. I hope they were on the payroll. One worker stated that he did not care — “call Parks or who ever you want! My boss works for Parks.” He said the name was on the truck. The contractor’s license number was not, though.

I explained that the conditions were unsafe to the public, with patients walking into doctors’ offices at three different locations in the nearby building. 

The officers, feeling challenged, now had the workers put garbage cans around the tree with caution tape, helping the workers close the sidewalk without a permit for doing so. It was then extended to a car-length distance into the street, with caution tape and cones. 

No site safety officer was present. Officers did not let us look at permits, and they were not posted for the public as they should have been. They should have been posted in the window of the premises. They were not. 

The evidence at present points to a missed opportunity, because a contractor who claimed his boss works for the Department of Environmental Protection had guys present to hack a tree. Now that the building is up, and no political issue is in play, hack away. That was the order of this day. 

Assemblyman Jeffrey Dinowitz, who has brought a crowded situation to Corlear Avenue and the surrounding area known as the Valley, has let buildings and contractors do as they wish. 

Wait until the new charter school is built on the corner of Irwin and Ewen avenues. School buses will jam the streets. It’s just more of the same careless disregard for the community — much like the disregard for this tree. 

People all around love this tree with its great presence as they walk to the library and church. I’m sure the people in the Sycamore apartments are upset that such beauty was hacked away from their windows. (Think of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” and you will get the idea.) I watched as the superintendent and his wife along with the nasty acting managing agent-laughed when they were told to proceed with the work, giggling with police.

Police said the tree permit was enough. The possible day laborers went unchecked. I was unable to find out if their employer was registered as a contractor on city websites. 

Sister tree, oh, sister tree, sitting there blowing breezily. I wonder how in the chill of winter you don’t crack, fall or splinter. Alone in the dead of night with a winter chill, or a summer thaw, you seem to survive through it all. 

I wonder at the stories of times gone by only you cold tell. And how you have grown. Oh, sister tree sitting there blowing breezily, I hope people learn why to respect thee.

This poor tree has seen gunfire and cars burning below it. It has been through a lot. I hope it is protected going forward. The city needs to put up variances before such abuse takes place again. 

Kennedy McDonnell grew up in Kingsbridge and still works there. Point of view is a column open to all.

sycamore, Corlear Avenue, environment, trees, development, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Kennedy McDonnell

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