The City of Hobart and a resident are working together to bring back trees to the Merrillville Heights subdivision, which was hit hard by the emerald ash borer infestation two years ago.
The Board of Public Works and Safety on Wednesday, March 15, denied a request by Barbara Koteles, of the 6100 block of California, to plant trees in the easements in the area, but said city staff would work with her and her neighbors to bring trees to the neighborhood, preferably in residents’ yards.
The city had to cut down about 100 ash trees in the Merrillville Heights and Glenwood subdivisions on the west side after they were decimated by the ravenous emerald ash borer.
“One day I looked down my street and saw not one tree left on my parkway. I’m one of the few residents left with any trees in my yard,” said Koteles, who said she bought her house because of all the trees. “I want to see trees back in my neighborhood.”
Board member Thomas Ehrhardt agreed that trees are important, but said homeowners need to be educated first on the fact that while easements are city property, their maintenance is the responsibility of homeowners.
City landscaper Kelly Goodpaster said she is in favor of planting more trees in the neighborhood, but recommended they be moved into the residents’ yards.
City engineer Phil Gralik said residents can’ obtain free trees.
“There are DNR (Indiana Department of Natural Resources) grants that provide free trees. We can’t give them to a private property owner, but if they could form a homeowners association that would maintain them, it is a possibility for the future,” Gralik said.
A homeowners’ association could be for just one block, not necessarily the whole subdivision.
Gralik said the city is receiving its first shipment of trees in the fall, but they’re going to Veterans Park and the police department’s gun range.
Karen Caffarini is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
