Tree Removal at MonteCedro Property (Discussion)

Altadena residents who have raised concerns about tree removal and trimming at the construction site of the planned MonteCedro retirement community have been told that the developers that own the property have the permits to remove 17 mature oak trees on the property.

The lot, which is located on 2212 North El Molino Avenue, was originally the site of the William A. Scripps Home for Aged People, which closed in 2007, and is the future home of MonteCedro retirement community, a development that has met with some opposition in the community over the years.

Open space advocate Lori Paul and local resident Lisa Hastings raised concerns oak branches that were cut from trees on the property and the removal of a mature pine tree that took place last month (pictures can be viewed at right).

They were told by county planner Anthony Richardson that the developer, Episcopal Home Communities has the right to trim back the trees and even remove them as they see fit.

"There is an Oak Tree permit for the property, covering 17 oak trees.  10 of these are to be removed during the construction phase...However, if the developer decides to remove every other tree on the site, they can legally do so," wrote Richardson in an email that was forwarded to Altadena Patch.

In her response to the county, Paul suggests that Altadena residents were told that old trees on the property"would be cared for and integrated into the MonteCedro project"

Those discussions were before Altadena Patch's time, so we ask you readers, do you recall any presentations on oak trees on the property?  Is it important to you that these trees be preserved?  What other concerns do you have about the property?