Trenton Council discusses tree removal and restoration efforts at Mill Hill Park

During the Trenton City Council Combined Meeting on April 15, 2025, a significant discussion emerged regarding the management and restoration of Stacy Park, particularly in light of recent environmental concerns raised by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Council members expressed their frustration over the lack of proper permits for tree clearing activities that had already taken place, prompting a deeper inquiry into the city's project management practices.

Councilwoman Feliciano highlighted a note from the city monitor indicating that the council could neither approve nor deny a request related to the park's maintenance because the work had already been initiated. This led to a detailed exchange with Randy Baum, a licensed landscape architect and consultant for the city, who clarified that his firm was not involved until the DEP issued a letter regarding the need for a repair and restoration plan.

Baum explained that the historical maintenance of the park had not required permits, which contributed to the oversight. He emphasized the importance of restoring the park with native species to combat invasive plants that had taken over due to years of neglect. The council discussed the necessity of consulting with Baum and other experts before undertaking such projects in the future to ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Additionally, the meeting touched on the broader implications of tree management in Trenton, with plans for a citywide inventory of trees to address the growing issue of ash trees affected by pests. Baum noted that a substantial grant would facilitate the planting of approximately 1,000 new trees across various parks, including Mill Hill Park and Cadwater Park, as part of a comprehensive effort to enhance the city's green spaces.

The discussions underscored the council's commitment to improving environmental stewardship and ensuring that future projects adhere to regulatory standards, ultimately aiming to restore and maintain Trenton's parks effectively.