Kudos to Mayor Billy Hewes

The Gulfport City Council's vote to allow the cutting of five healthy Live oak trees on Pass Road, against the recommendation from the city's professional arborist and planning commission, was a very poor decision.

In one's travel to other communities with modern urban planning, it is easy to recognize that these cities are preserving green space and placing parking in the rear. This decision to allow the cutting of Live oaks is contrary to prudent modern development.

Live oaks are iconic symbols of our Gulf Coast resilience against ravaging hurricanes and provide an aesthetic that cannot be reproduced with typical landscaping without years of growth. Our Live oaks not only provide an aesthetic oasis but also furnish a habitat oasis for numerous species of birds and butterflies.

We would like to commend Mayor Billy Hewes for announcing his intention to veto the City Council's decision to override our city arborist and planning commission during his State of the City Address to the chamber.

DOUG and LYNN SINGLETARY

Gulfport

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 8:21 PM with the headline "Kudos to Mayor Billy Hewes ."