Tree removal draws criticism
MONONGAHELA – A row of trees at a riverfront park in Monongahela was removed as part of an improvement project, drawing criticism from local residents who wanted them to be saved.
The trees were chopped down this week at Noble J. Dick Aquatorium because they were either dead or lifting pavement, as Washington County Redevelopment Authority completes the final phase of improving the park along the Monongahela River, said Tammy Mayton, the authority representative who is administering the project.
“New trees will be planted,” Mayton said Wednesday, when local residents attended a Monongahela Council meeting to complain about the tree removal. “The park will be aesthetically pleasing.”
The work is being completed under a $420,000 grant the city received through Washington County from the local share of proceeds at The Meadows Casino in North Strabane Township.
The money helped create a new seating area at the riverfront stage, as well as other improvements to the park constructed more than four decades ago beside the Second Street ramp to the river.
“There are a lot of people down here who are upset,” said Brian Britza, a local business owner.
He said 13 trees were taken down at the aquatorium, some of which were donated by Monongahela Rotary.
“I think it’s a grave and unfortunate insult to injury,” added his wife, Janice Milliner-Britza.
Mayton said as many as 30 new trees will be planted at the park under the project’s plans that were approved by city council and its engineer.