York Resident Petitions to Save Honey Locust Tree

A petition signed by 227 residents challenges the town plan to remove a local honey locust tree for a village project.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Civic Engagement

York Resident Petitions to Save Honey Locust Tree

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Should your local government prioritize preserving historic trees over planned infrastructure modernization projects?

York resident James Kences submitted a petition to the Selectboard to block the removal of a honey locust tree scheduled for felling on November 3, 2026. The tree stands at the intersection of York Street and Long Sands Road, which is slated for updates under the York Village revitalization plan.

Why it matters

Town officials maintain the tree removal is necessary to resolve intersection confusion and honor existing project contracts funded by federal and state grants. However, the petition highlights community opposition to the removal, forcing the Selectboard to weigh environmental concerns against project obligations.

The town faces a $100,000 funding shortfall for the revitalization project, and relocating the tree is estimated to cost an additional $50,000. Redesigning the project to accommodate the tree could delay the November 2027 completion date by 18 to 24 months.

The players

James Kences

He is a York resident who spearheaded the petition effort to save the local honey locust tree.

York Selectboard

This is the primary governing body for the town of York responsible for overseeing the village revitalization plan and managing public hearing requests.

The details

James Kences gathered the required signatures by standing near the tree daily and waiting at the library to speak with voters. Officials argue the tree is a visual hazard, while the current revitalization effort remains 80% federally and 10% state-funded.

Voters approved the York Village revitalization plan in 2016.
The honey locust tree is scheduled to be felled on November 3, 2026.
The Selectboard is expected to discuss the petition on November 9, 2026.
The revitalization project has an estimated completion date of November 2027.

Political Context

The York Selectboard must now contend with formal petition efforts that threaten the established design of the York Village revitalization plan. Proponents of the project argue that disrupting the current design would violate binding federal and state funding contracts.

Residents should be aware that the debate could significantly delay the broader village improvements if the town chooses to redesign the intersection. The upcoming Selectboard meeting on November 9 will determine if the project proceeds as planned or faces further regulatory hurdles.

The takeaway

Citizen petitions remain a potent tool for residents to force a public review of specific municipal planning decisions. Residents looking to influence local projects should ensure they collect enough verified signatures to trigger mandatory legal hearings.