PRESS RELEASE
WHO: Dallas Historic Tree Coalition WHAT: Press Conference WHEN: October 23, 1998, 12 noon WHERE: Ferris Plaza Downtown Dallas CONTACT: Melody McGann (214) 739-5886 WE WON!!!! Thank you to all who wrote letters and attended the BDA hearing.
FERRIS PLAZA TREE REMOVAL
The Dallas Historic Tree Coalition will hold a press conference in Ferris Plaza at 12 noon on Friday, October 23rd Ferris Plaza is downtown, bounded by Houston, Young, Record and Wood Streets. It is across the street from Union Station and the A.H. Belo building. Dr. Mary Ellen Bluntzer will be addressing the planned removal of 21 mature Live Oak trees by the Downtown Improvement District and the Dallas Park and Recreation Board. Since it is illegal to remove the trees without a permit, and a removal permit was denied by the City Arborist, the Downtown Improvement District is applying for a "special exception" to the tree ordinance. The Board of Adjustment plans to review the case on October 27th, 1998 at 1p.m, City Hall, 6th floor.
Money for the tree removal was provided by the last bond election and voters were told it was for the "historic renovation" of the Plaza. What the voters were not told was that the bond money is being used to remove large Live Oaks in downtown, NOT renovate the Plaza. How can removal of the trees be considered "historic preservation" ? HISTORY IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED, NOT WHAT WAS INTENDED ! If this is a public project for a public park, why was the public not informed ?
The Dallas Historic Tree Coalition opposes the plan and concurs with the City Arborist's position that the trees should be preserved. We are asking the Board of Adjustment to respect the history of Dallas and allow Ferris Plaza to maintain its grandeur.
Your attendance at the Board of Adjustment meeting on October 27th will have a tremendous impact on the outcome of this case as well as attending the press conference.