Shirley revisits proposed tree and stonewall bylaw as board keeps it moving

Shirley’s Planning Board brought the proposed tree and stonewall bylaw back on June 3, and the agenda also listed June 17 as the next meeting date.

The draft would apply to trees and stone walls within or bounding public ways in Shirley, while excluding state highways. For residents and contractors, the practical effect would be extra review before work that could affect roadside trees, historic stone walls, driveway changes, utility cuts or other projects near the road edge.

What the draft says

Town documents say the proposal is meant to protect roadside character and historic fabric. It gives the DPW director and Tree Warden a central role, sets approval steps for covered work, and allows limits, restoration requirements and other conditions when trees or walls are disturbed.

The tree section also contemplates replacement work or equivalent compensation in some cases, while the stone-wall section limits temporary openings and requires them to be returned to their original state under town approval.

What happens next

The Planning Board had already advanced a final draft to Town Counsel and the Select Board. The matter also appears in the town-meeting warrant process, but the documents reviewed here do not confirm a final vote adopting or rejecting the bylaw, so readers should treat it as an active proposal rather than a settled rule.

Anyone planning roadside work near trees or stone walls should watch the June 17 meeting and any later revisions before assuming the rules are final.

Sources

• Town of Shirley: Oak Trees Along Groton Road