Dundee's Water Street looks a bit different

Apr 24, 2012 at 02:17 pm by Observer-Review


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Dundee's Water Street looks a bit different

    DUNDEE—Have you noticed something missing on Water Street in Dundee?
    The recent removal of two, nearly 80 feet tall trees makes a difference in how downtown Dundee looks. The New York State Department of Transportation and New York State Electric and Gas removed the trees at 39 Water St. so a storm drain can be installed. The elm tree that was cut down last Thursday was more than 60 years old.
    Highway Superintendent Andy Howell said the village is trying to fix flooding problems during heavy downpours. He explained the village will put a drainage system in where these trees were located. He added the DOT is providing the supplies.
    However, Dundee will have to install the drainage system itself. Howell explained the state needs to come back and grind down the remaining stump before work can proceed. He said he would like the drain installed by the summer.
    One 80-foot tree was taken down last Thursday, April 19.  The work started six weeks earlier when the first tree was removed. Howell said the DOT coordinated the removal with NYSEG, because tree limbs hung over the power-lines.
    Fred Hall, owner of the property at 39 Water St., said the first tree was hollow and rotted inside.  He added he had wanted it down and even asked the state if he could do that, but at the time was told no.  He described it as an eyesore.
    The village board has previously discussed the declining conditions of trees within Dundee. Mayor Fred Cratsley Jr. had explained at a September 2011 village meeting that replacing trees was important to the beautification of the village.
    Deputy Clerk Cheryl Wood explained the village offers a tree replacement program. When a property owner has a tree removed, the village will send them a letter of approved tree varieties to pick from. She said the village will supply the younger tree for free.

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