OP-ED: Fighting For Montclair's Trees

On May 2, 2012 new trees were planted along Bloomfield Avenue and perhaps other areas of town. After several years of empty tree pits and a perforated tree canopy along the main artery, the new trees were refreshing sight.

Out of gratitude for having a new tree, I’ve been watering it regularly to make sure it survived especially during the periods of excessive heat we endured during June and July. Essentially, I adopted the tree with anticipation that it would grow into a beautiful tree in the coming years.

Fast forward eight weeks later: On July 26, 2012 I watched a New Jersey Transit bus driver drive up, break the new tree with the mirror, park in front of the Dunkin' Donuts driveway and walk into Dunkin' Donuts, appearing to be unaware of both issues. I walked in after him and politely mentioned he was blocking the driveway and that I saw him break the tree. He politely responded “I’m really sorry about both. I’ll report the tree damage when I get back to the office. We try to do the right thing and report things we damage. I’m really sorry about the tree. It was an accident.” Was the driver cool about situation? Absolutely.

It was definitely an accident. He did not drive onto the sidewalk or swerve erratically. It was good to think NJ Transit would take care of damage caused by one of their employees especially after the driver said he would report it and was positive about how he would handle the situation.

To make sure the incident was on record, I filed an online notice with NJ Transit explaining the situation. My agenda was simple: They broke it, they should fix it. I also mentioned how I’ve been taking care of the tree and it took a long time to get new trees planted, not realizing my care for the tree would be chided by a customer service representative the following day. I suggested that if they could just replace the tree it would be a nice gesture on their part considering it was just planted on May 2, 2012. Here is the reply I received.

We are replying to your feedback of 7/26/2012 regarding subject: Tree broken by bus driver. 

Thank you for contacting NJ TRANSIT.

We can certainly appreciate you wanting to preserve/restore the aesthetics of your neighborhood, unfortunately we cannot simply plant trees on property at will. It is the responsibility of the property owner to make its desires known to NJ TRANSIT. 

Again, thank you for contacting us.

Sincerely, 
NJ TRANSIT Customer Service Team 

The reply was sent from an email that will not accept any return emails which leaves whoever files a complaint with NJ Transit helpless in pursuing their issue any further.

I’m assuming people across the country are aware of the financial concerns that have permeated their communities in recent times, and Montclair is no exception. However, no one should have to pay for new trees that NJ Transit damages except NJ Transit. The social and moral responsibility of NJ Transit is to replant the tree in an effort to create a symbiotic relationship with communities they serve.

I forwarded the information, including a series of photos to several people in the township. The town arborist, the planning department, Sean Spiller and Luther Flurry of the Montclair BID and others were included on the email. Regardless of who can actually resolve the situation, I believe most people will agree that NJ Transit cannot cause property damage and ignore it casually. Luther has followed up with NJ Transit and Sean Spiller responded to me immediately and many thanks to both.

Is the tree canopy specific to a property owner? Yes: it collectively belongs to every person in Montclair and all of the people who drive past the trees every day. Nature can be technically owned if it resides on your property, but in theory it is enjoyed by all who can see it and it is important for a variety of reasons.

Walking down a tree-lined street is, and always will be, much more enjoyable than a concrete canyon lacking any foliage. I’ve included a historical photo from 1903 which was taken from the south side of Bloomfield Avenue at Park Street to emphasize how trees can make a main traffic artery more inviting. The synthesis of historical architecture and robust trees has been the core of Montclair’s marketing throughout the years.

There may be issues more important than a small tree planted along Bloomfield Avenue, but the underlying issue is to halt the erosion of principles and moral responsibility. Community becomes and abstract idea when it transforms into fragmented ideas of environmental health and visual identity of the place.

Am I a tree hugger and sad that the new tree was broken in half after eight weeks? Of course, but that shouldn’t be a bad thing in an era where Nature Deficit Disorder is being recognized, the importance of green space is at the forefront of most community planning project, and the healing properties of plants are becoming a fundamental discourse in health care in the United States.

One week later, and following emails from several people in the township, I was informed a new tree will be planted in the fall (2012) and Montclair Township will pursue reimbursement from NJ Transit.

It may only take one NJ Transit driver five seconds to destroy a beautiful tree, but it takes a village to raise a tree over a lifetime and create a positive environment to reside within.