Tree removal sparks confusion in Italian Village

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Residents in the Italian Village section of Columbus are upset after historic trees were cut down, seemingly without notice.

The city’s Department of Public Utilities is apologizing for what the residents have been through but said the tree removal was a necessary step.

Construction started on Warren Street a few weeks ago. George Zonders with the Columbus Department of Public Utilities said the construction is part of the Kerr Russell Inflow Redirection Project.

Zonders said that the trees that were removed would have died due to root loss from excavation.

Tessa Cooper has lived in Italian Village with her family for nearly six years. She said one reason she bought a home in the neighborhood was because of the character of the houses and the old trees that really added something to the neighborhood. She said it has a different feel now.

“It has the feeling of more of a brand-new neighborhood, not one that's kind of settled in and had that time to mature,” Cooper said. “I know a lot of the residents here really value the feeling that our historic neighborhood has and this definitely changes that a little bit.”

Zonders said that nearly 30 trees were removed and plans are in place to replace them.

Residents said they had no idea about the trees being removed. According to Zonders, weekly updates are sent from the contractor to those who sign up for it. Residents said they were unaware of this.

Two companies are working on the Italian Village project, construction company Complete General and engineering firm DLZ Ohio, did not return requests for comment.