While reviewing an expansion plan for a company that manufactures folded cartons commonly used in fast food service, Falls Supervisor John Palmer convinced the owner to donate street trees to the township’s shade tree commission.
The Falls Supervisors granted preliminary and final land development approval to Tavo Packaging, Inc. for a one-story, 77,100-square-foot warehouse addition onto its existing 169,833-square-foot warehouse, situated on an 11-acre site on Towpath Road. But before the vote was taken, Palmer questioned the applicant about why plans did not include the planting of street trees.
“Why don’t you need to help out with the street trees?” Palmer asked.
The developer told the board that planting trees along Newbold Road was not possible because of overhead PECO lines and underground utilities. The existing lot was so close to the ultimate right of way that there was simply no room for trees, he added.
Not to be deterred, Palmer wondered aloud if there was another way to add more trees to Falls. Could Tavo donate trees to the township’s Shade Tree Commission for planting elsewhere, Palmer asked.
“I don’t see a reason why we wouldn’t,” the Tavo Packaging owner answered. “We love trees.”
“I love them too,” Palmer added.
In other business, Falls Supervisors Chairman Jeff Dence suggested hiring an arborist to offer expert advice about tree care and to help the township develop a plan. In the past, Falls has removed trees that were dead or in poor condition.
“It’s our duty to replace trees that we’re removing,” Dence said.
Dence’s suggestion regarding trees was prompted by the Supervisors considering a bid award for tree trimming services. The board voted 3-2 to award a bid for tree trimming and tree removal to Kent’s Quality Tree Service. Dence and Supervisor Brian Galloway voted no.
Supervisors Jeff Boraski and Jeff Rocco noted that the award locks in tree trimming and removal rates for the year and does not obligate the township to undertake work.
