Controversy over trees takes root in Ocoee

The Ocoee City Commission on Tuesday, July 18, directed staff to allow the residents of Village of Wesmere and its homeowners association time to come up with an understanding pertaining the cutting of trees in the community.

“The HOA’s legal council recently sent a letter demanding that these tree permits be reinstated,” a resident of Wesmere said. “For the record, many residents are outraged and embarrassed by the tone of this letter and the vile actions of our board. For the last five months, I have vocally challenged my HOA in their tree project. I don’t believe my board ever had authority to initiate without a community vote, and I strongly believe their actions are in violation of Wesmere’s bylaws.”

The HOA has been working on the removal of any oak trees that may, in the future, become a threat to the road. However, non-permitted trees have been removed from the development in recent months. Furthermore, the HOA communicated recently to all residents of Wesmere they needed to remove any oak trees located within their property prior to June 1. 

According to Development Services Director Michael Rumer, the trees allowed for removal only included those located at the entrance of the neighborhood and those located between a sidewalk and the main street. 

The commission will provide residents and the HOA time to resolve this issue internally between now and November. 

“I’m not in favor of cutting any trees that don’t need to be cut,” Mayor Rusty Johnson said.