If we want our village to thrive….we must treat our natural and historic features with dignity and respect
To the Editor,
I just arrived back in Wellsville today after spending the weekend in the beautiful, tree‑lined village of Hammondsport, New York, a thriving small town near Keuka Lake. Driving through Wellsville’s Main Street, I was reminded of the devastation that occurred here last week. I felt compelled to write this after reading Amanda Oglesbee’s opinion piece in the Wellsville Sun, both to reinforce her concerns and to encourage other residents to speak up as well. My intention is not to point fingers, but I do believe the Village’s Tree Committee, the group entrusted with the wellbeing of our trees, owes the community an explanation and a resolution.
As many of us know, our village recently lost some of its most beautiful trees on Main Street, trees that shaded outdoor dining, softened the streetscape, and gave our historic district a sense of intimacy and welcome. Mature trees like these create a sense of calm and serenity that no amount of brick or concrete can replace. For those who think otherwise, trees are not an annoyance or a throwaway accessory; they are part of the fabric of a community. They make a street feel alive, welcoming, and worth visiting.
For those of us who love our village, who invest our time, money, and hearts into restoring its buildings, tending its gardens, and preserving its character, this loss feels like a punch in the face. These innocent trees were healthy, stable, and part of the beauty and identity of Main Street.
I’ve heard several speculations about why these trees might have been removed: cracked sidewalks, interference with power lines, too many birds, and so on. None of these explanations make sense to me as justification for cutting down mature, healthy trees. Sidewalks can be repaired. Branches can be pruned. And birds, well, birds like trees too.
We cannot undo what has been done. But we can decide what happens next, and what should never happen again. If we want our village to thrive, to attract visitors, support local businesses, and preserve the charm that makes this place worth calling home, then we must treat our natural and historic features with dignity and respect. That means open communication, public input, and adherence to the processes that should have been in place and followed.
May this loss remind us that the character of our village belongs to all of us. Decisions that shape our home must be made with care, transparency, and respect for the people who live here.
Sincerely, Andy Glanzman, a caring Wellsville resident of more than 50 years
