55.7 F
The Villages
Friday, March 29, 2024

Commissioners grant another reprieve to historic live oak tree

This historic live oak tree could be cut down to make room for an office building in La Plaza Grande. Professional Center.
This historic live oak tree could be cut down to make room for an office building in La Plaza Grande Professional Center.

An historic live oak tree which might be cut down to make room for a office building and parking lot has won another reprieve.  For now.

In March, the Lady Lake Commission told realtor Fran Dann to go back to the drawing board and find a way to preserve the tree to make room for an office building in La Plaza Grande Professional Center.
On Monday evening, Dann’s client Brian Warwick took to the podium and made a personal plea to the commission to see the plan go forward. Warwick is one of the owners of the property.
Warwick said they had looked at alternate possible configurations, but had no success.
“If I had a choice between a building and a tree, I would choose the tree,” said Commissioner Paul Hannan. “I don’t want this tree to go.”
He added that he was “disappointed this came back to us with absolutely no changes.”
Mayor Ruth Kussard said she had studied the arborist’s report and concluded that if the building and parking lot were built around the tree, the tree would probably end up dying.
“No one likes to see these big beautiful oak trees cut down,” she added.
The matter will be back up for discussion on May 5.

The world knew we had a strong leader in Trump

A Village of Fernandina resident looks back on the record of former President Trump. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Neglect of golf course maintenance now costing us millions of dollars

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of St. Charles resident argues that neglect of golf course maintenance is now costing residents millions of dollars.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.