Sugar Maple @ 57 East Pleasant Street
So this big old sugar maple is no doubt kindling in the making even though the Amherst Shade Tree Committee voted to save it.
It stands in the way of both a town approved 5-story mixed use development by local developers Archipelago Investments, and in the kill zone for a proposed roundabout at the Triangle Street/ East Pleasant Street intersection.
Since the tree is not yet looking splendid in full bloom, probably not much of a public backlash will ensue. And the developers have proposed planting 11 trees along Triangle and East Pleasant streets.
More controversial however will be the other rumored mega-development a hundred yards or so south of the intersection, where the same developers are warming up the bulldozers to demolish the Carriage Shops.
Rear of the Carriage Shops facing historic West Cemetery
Because the rear of the doomed building faces and abuts historic West Cemetery (Emily Dickinson's final resting place), artist David Fichter painted a colorful lengthy mural, displaying iconic images from Amherst's past.
The $35,000 project was paid for with private money and completed in 2005.
But the local businesses who funded the endeavor probably thought they were going to get more than 10 years out of the project.
Indiegogo fundraiser for Amherst Record Digital News
14 comments:
Is there a problem with that intersection that the town feels needs to be fixed? Does the town have so much extra cash that's burning a hole in their pockets? That tree has survived all sorts of harsh weather,insects,car pollution but doesn't have a chance against a chain saw and a developers promise of cash.
The town is applying for a Mass Works state grant to cover the cost of the roundabout.
Why should they think that? They didn't buy the building. They just funded a mural.
Okay, then they probably thought the mural would last longer than 10 years.
I hate roundabouts but I hate the one car on Triangle westbound turning left that blocks all the other cars. It takes 3 light cycles to go straight.
I like roundabouts but I use that intersection daily for the last forty years and never had a problem. I think the money could be used for a better purpose. On the other hand it's better than giving it to the football team or the ex Westfield U president.
Roundabouts are awesome for this town. I'm not a huge fan of the double up by Atkins, but on N. Pleasant, I couldn't be happier. Thanks Jason Venditti! You're an amazing engineer!
I think the previous anonymous posters have pointed out an interesting thing about intersections. They seem to work great, so long as you're usually taking the main route. Those who usually take the side routes and are trying to turn left, or always stuck behind someone turning left, probably have a very different impression!
I didn't know that that section of town (Toy Box, Amherst Optical, etc.) was considered part of the Carriage Shops. Are you sure that the spaces/building there are part of this project Larry?
Two different projects by the same developer in the same general area of the north end of downtown.
The project that will raze the Carriage Shops is not drop dead certain at this point, but if I had to guess ...
Is someone keeping an eye on the dead trees lining the sidewalk from Butterfield Dorm to Triangle St?
Even if they are located on private property- they should be removed so that no one gets injured or killed when they fall
Something needs to be done to help folks leaving U Mass near Rafters. Cars turning left block that intersection forever!
Amherst is complex.
Imagine if there were two trees.....or, gasp, three.
If a tree falls in Amherst will a committee be needed to determine if it made a sound?
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