Loss of trees, shade comes as surprise to some in Marion

Some property owners along Seventh Avenue in Marion were surprised to lose their shade this week.

"They took down, I'm going to guess, a dozen trees," said Jon Klein. "There was no notice, no warning. I was just in shock."

Klein owns the building at 285 Seventh Ave., which houses a financial services office. Until a contractor hired by the city arrived Tuesday, "the entire back was entirely in shade."

The trees are on city property, the embankment along the former railroad right of way that will become a biking/hiking trail under Marion's Central Corridor plan. But Public Works Director Ryan Miller said their removal is in response to a more immediate issue.

"Some fell onto (private) property, and we had some property claims because of that," said Miller.

Cheryl Lins, lighting consultant at Sitler's House of Lights, 309 Seventh Ave., said the city can do what it wants with trees on city property, "but communication would be nice."

Miller said it was the contractor's responsibility to notify property owners. Stitler and Klein said they weren't notified.

"I think it's just such a crime against nature," said Klein.

"It does look bare, I'll give them that," Miller said. "There were some nice walnut trees, but at the same time it had to be done."

Miller said the crew will return to finish removing trees along the embankment, which will be seeded with grass. Some healthy large trees will be left.

"Our goal is to just remove the ones that could jeopardize property," he said.