Tree Damaged at Bike Race to Be Replaced

Editor's Note: Tim asked that his last name not be used in this story.

Tim moved into his house on the 300 block of Dawson Street just this past fall.

To commemorate the purchase of his first house, he planted a tree out front with his 2-year-old daughter.

Then, the bike race happened.  Someone snapped the tree in half.

Tim posted a photo on Patch, and he had some strong words for the culprits.

Tim wrote, “[The tree] I just planted at the beginning of Spring after it had a run-in with what can only be presumed to be a drunk Bike Race attendee. You stay classy Parx Casino patrons!”

However, this story has a happy ending.

Josh Cohen from Councilman Curtis Jones’ office saw the photo on Patch and reached out to Tim.

Cohen offered to purchase a new tree for Tim and his daughter.

Tim proposed a trade:

“I would ask that you instead consider asking the good Councilman to consider planting several ‘Slow, Children Playing’ or ‘Caution, Children Playing’ signs on my block and in our neighborhood,” Tim wrote to Cohen.

Tim added, “I have to say I was drawn to this part of the city because it seemed to me to be a good place to raise my daughter, but I have been absolutely shocked to see how fast people drive down my block. It's insane.”

Cohen agreed to help get the signs put up, and Tim is in talks with the Wissahickon Tree Tenders to replace the destroyed tree. 

“I'll probably contact the Tree Tenders anyway, so I can get the ball rolling on that tree,” Tim wrote to Cohen.  “And thank you again for reaching out to me. I appreciate that.”