Onancock Town Council considering fate of 350 year old oak tree

The Town of Onancock is considering improving the parking lot on Queen Street located behind the businesses on the southern side of downtown Market Street. 

But one of the obstacles to moving forward is a 350 year oak tree located behind the Roseland Theater.  Some are opposed to, quoting singer-song writer Joni Mitchell, “paving paradise to put up a parking lot”.

On July 16 there was a discussion session between Fraiser Associates and local stakeholders who either operate businesses or own property adjacent to the parking lot.

Councilwoman Cynthia Holdren attended that  session and reported back to the Town Council what was discussed at the July 22 council meeting.  Holdren said that the giant oak tree has been dropping large limbs and has some other dead limbs near the top which could fall at anytime.

Holdren asked the question, “how much money would it take to preserve the tree at all costs?”  Holdren, who was reporting what happened at the stakeholders meeting, also asked, “do we spend forever until it just falls over?”

She said that keeping the tree would result in the loss  a third of the proposed parking area and it would be nice to regain that third, continuing, “if we chose to keep the tree, at some point we would have to re-do the parking area.”

However some individuals feel that a tree that likely predates the town shouldn’t be cut down for convenience.  In a letter to last week’s Eastern Shore Post, Miriam Riggs took issue with taking the historic tree down.

Riggs said, “with the girth of 17 feet, this tree is a living treasure and should be regarded with respect and deference to its age and historical and cultural significance. The Shore is preparing for many events commemorating 250 years of freedom since the Revolutionary War.  It certainly could have witnessed the War of 1812, the Civil War, World War 1 and World War 2 were all experienced by residents who may have lingered under the shade of that tree.”

Riggs offered a compromise that the Town put a fence around the tree if necessary and make it a safe space for people and for the tree too.  She also called the tree a cultural monument which may be one of the oldest objects still standing in town for public reverence and contemplation- a true living legacy.

The Town Council has not indicated what if any action will be taken on the matter. All options are still being considered.

On an earlier report we stated that parallel parking on Market Street may be removed.  Mayor Fletcher Fosque said that eliminating parallel parking on Market Street is not being considered.