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Reaction to lost trees shouldn’t be a surprise

The shade is gone and some Marietta residents are already feeling heated this week about the recent removal of some large trees along Eighth Street. The trees, removed by AEP in order to accommodate higher utility poles, are just some of the first cuts to be made as part of a $330 million investment to add a new electricity circuit to provide better reliable service.

That means more trees in the city and beyond will be permanently removed, changing the landscape of streets and neighborhoods for years to come.

We don’t yet know how many streets or trees will be affected, although this newspaper will be following up to find out. Even city officials seemed caught off guard by the work, with Acting Mayor Josh Schlicher arriving too late to save a sycamore on Eighth Street after being informed about the removals.

AEP seems to have the proper permits in place and they are legally entitle to remove the trees in the right of way. We’re sure the intention of the changes is to provide better service. However, electrical service isn’t the only thing residents care about.

Trees aren’t just expendable. They provide aesthetics, health benefits and more. Many of the city’s trees are decades if not centuries old. Can you imagine strolling past the historic homes downtown with no trees lining the streets? Or your own street?

One resident we spoke to cried as she mourned the loss of the Eighth Streets trees and we can’t blame her. We do form attachments to trees. They’re part of our everyday view, our childhood memories and part of why Marietta is beautiful. We would like to know if alternatives were considered to this plan and just how vital these upgrades are.

At the very least, there should be better communication between AEP and residents affected. Those on Eighth Street said they were completely shocked when the trees started coming down, as they had not been informed. If this project is absolutely necessary, then we feel that’s the least AEP could offer to the residents of Marietta.

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