Toll Brothers Says Re-Treeing the Ridge is Unfeasible

In a letter to Bethel's Planning and Zoning Commission last week, Toll Brothers said it would be unfeasible to plant trees along an exposed area of ridgeline at the north west corner of the Summit development.

The issue was brought up after Bethel resident Brian Walters started a petition for Toll Brothers to re-tree the ridge. Walters, who lives about a mile as the crow flies from the development on Great Hill Drive, said that the company has been cutting trees on the ridge over the past few years which has ruined his view of Shelter Rock Mountain six months out of the year.

As a result of Walters' petition, the Planning and Zoning Commission requested that Toll Brothers look into the matter. In a letter written in response to that request Dan Rossi, Assistant Vice President of Land Development for Toll Brothers, wrote planting trees in that area would be ill-advised for several reasons.

“The first is that trees are typically not planted on slopes this steep and would be susceptible to topple. This would be particularly bad in this area as we would have limited access to the area once the units are built and a tree, once matured, could severely damage the retaining wall.

“The second reason I would suggest not planting trees, is that that this area is primarily structural fill which is comprised of shot and crushed rock. The only soil proposed in this area is 4 to 6 inches of topsoil necessary to grow lawn. Obviously this is not conducive for tree growth.”

Rossi continued, “unfortunately we cannot meet the Commission's request to reestablish the view shed.”

The letter from Toll Brothers was discussed at a Planning and Zoning meeting on June 26. Steve Palmer, Bethel's town planner, said that at the meeting the Planning and Zoning Commission accepted Toll Brothers response.

“The (Planning and Zoning) Commission, at their last meeting, made a consensus that they would not ask Toll Brother to review the matter any further based upon the letter they received (from Toll Brothers) with regards to their ability to plant additional trees on the ridge line based on the site characteristics,” he said.

However, Walters said he would continue his efforts to have the tree line replanted.

“I will continue to pursue the Re-Tree The Ridge' petition. Having over 150 signatures from people in the community is huge. Every signature gives me more incentive to reach my original goal,” he said.

Although Walters acknowledged it might be difficult to plant trees in that area, he believed it was possible.

“Anything is possible,” he said. “Just take a look at where they are building, that land was undeveloped for good reason and yet the developer saw potential and they made it happen. If they can put (more than 200) condo units up there, I have no doubt in my mind that they could plant a few dozen trees and have them survive.”

Walters said he would continue to work with the town to try and have trees planted on the ridge.

“I'm pleased with the response that I have received from both the Planning and Zoning Department and Commission,” he said. “Both have listened to my concerns and have reached out to the developer. I only have good things to say about my interactions with town officials and commission members. With that being said I would like to see the Commission pursue this issue up until the developer starts replanting the tree line.”