College removes city property

Students are not alone in their disappointment over the sudden disappearance of trees surrounding Kettering Hall. The City of Oberlin actually owned some of the foliage, and wants the trees replaced.

Over Fall Break, construction workers began preparations for the construction of the new Science Center by leveling the south end of North Quad. In taking down several College-owned trees, the workers also removed seven trees along Lorain Street which were rooted in city property. President Nancy Dye said, "The trees would have remained a couple of years."

The unlawful removal was actually the result of miscommunication between the project administrators and the contractors. The trees should not have been removed unless the College had received permission from the City. The College had not intended to remove the trees, so it did not seek permission from the City.

According to City Manager Rob Dispirito, the seven trees stood between the curb and the sidewalk surrounding Kettering. This section of trees, known as the "tree-line," will need to be restored. "Those tree-line trees were not supposed to come down," said Dispirito.

The College intends to replenish the trees. "A lot of new trees will be planted," said Dye.

Dispirto indicated that the problem will be resolved with any problems. He said, "We just want to work with the College to get some trees back in there."