OJAI : Protesters Act to Save 24 Trees Deemed Unsafe

Nearly 30 Ojai residents came to a wooded lot Monday to protest a developer’s plans to cut down 24 eucalyptus trees to make way for six condominiums at the corner of Lion and Aliso streets.

City officials assured angry residents that the lost trees would be replaced with sycamore and oak trees.

They pointed to a study that said the eucalyptus trees are unsafe, leaving the developer no choice but to cut them down.

But residents were not convinced.

“We want to be sure that those trees cannot be saved,” said Susa Francina, a 38-year-old Ojai resident. “Whatever they build in that lot has to be in harmony with the environment. We are not sure if the study was thorough.”

The study, funded by the developer, was conducted by an arborist who frequently works on contract for the city, said William Prince, the city’s building and planning director.

Prince said that the study was rigorous, finding that only nine of the 33 trees could be saved.

“If left there, those trees would be dangerous to the health and safety of the people who will be living in the condominiums,” Prince said.

The trees, Prince said, are old and were improperly cropped a few years ago so that their branches have grown horizontally, making them more prone to toppling over.

Prince said the Planning Commission, which approved the project and the developer’s request to cut down the trees, will not reconsider its decision.

“I am very satisfied with the study,” Prince said, “The planning commissioners knew exactly what they were doing when they made their decision.”