Opponents to tree removal in downtown Augusta invited to address commission

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – When it comes to the planned removal of dozens of trees on Telfair Street, the mayor is getting an earful. 

“Certainly hearing a lot of concern from our citizens you know Telfair Street is one of our most historic streets in all of our city. I also have concerns about some of the mature trees designated to be cut down,” said Mayor Garnett Johnson.   

Dozens of trees are branded with an X slated for removal, the mayor so concerned he is added to Wednesday’s meeting allowing project opponents like the Riverkeeper the chance to air their concerns. 

“You’re talking about a historic community we have very strong ordinances to protect that, there are trees that should be protected now all of them are now being axed,” said Savannah Riverkeeper Tonya Bonitatibus.  

One on the chopping block is a Crepe Myrtle designated as a state champion due to its size and age, but even as a state champion it could be cut.  

“It’s not protected by law, the legislature could protect it if someone had taken the effort to get it protected,” said Roy Simkins, Chair of the Augusta Tree Commission.  

City Engineers say the project’s landscape architect is looking into whether some old trees can be saved, something supporters say needs to happen.  

“A shame that you would cut down a champion designated tree.” 

“Not only a shame it’s embarrassing to see a pink X on a champion Crepe Myrtle hopefully we got that resolved,” said Mayor Johnson.  

“The commission should be aware of that and should know and go into  changing this before it’s too late because I like to know who’s going to want to live Olde Town when it’s a barren landscape. trees don’t just grow over night,” said Bonitatibus.  

As the opposition grows to removing so many old trees downtown.