Sad saga of forlorn CK trees continues

While survey crews determine whether the trees cut down recently on Silverdale Way were in county right of way, neighboring business owners applauded the tree removal.

“These things don’t even look good. They’re not maintained and they’re ugly,” said Silverdale Market’s Tim Garguile, of the flowering plum trees that line Silverdale Way in front of his business.

Last week controversy erupted after property owners on the other side of the street cut down a half dozen trees they said were dead. They also maintain the trees were on their property.

Garguile said Monday he’s been battling the county over the trees for three years. They block his signs and their leaves clog the parking lot drains.

“All I’m trying to do is run a business,” he said asking what is more important — jobs and the local economy or trees.

In 1976 Benita Sinclair suggested trees be planted along the main thoroughfare near her business to beautify the area for Whaling Days.

Her idea inspired other businesses to place trees and shrubbery along the road.

County officials Monday seemed confident the trees cut down were in the county’s right of way, but were not willing to speculate about the penalties property owner Allan Gordon might face. Two of his tenants cut the trees, which measure about 2-inches in diameter and were planted by the county several years ago as part of a beautification effort.

They hoped to make the determination in the next day or so, said Jon Brand of the county’s public works department.

Brand said Monday if the trees were found to be in the county right of way, the people who cut them down might have to replace them.

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