To the Editor,

My name is Ronda Gerlt and I live in Fayette. My concern is that Central Methodist University has applied for a TAP grant to create parking along Hwy 240 which is also Church Street within the city limits. This is very concerning as there has been a proposal to cut down 18 mature, beautiful trees. However, there are only 5 trees out of that number that need to be removed because of disease and/or dying.
This University has plenty of property they could use to create parking. I understand a spokesperson for CMU went to the Fayette City Council meeting where they were told their approval wasn't necessary. I am shocked and very upset. Fayette just got our Tree City USA Designation re-instated recently. I don't mind telling you I am a member of The Arbor Day Foundation. I'm not a radicle, but this is just too much! I can't believe that MODOT would allow this to happen, and I find it unnecessary, as I stated before, the University has plenty of property to use as a solution. They could even build a parking garage and shuttle the workers and students if necessary. There just has to be a better way.
The street I am writing about is one of the main thoroughfares in town. It will be a shame to destroy the trees and the benefits they provide.
Excerpt form The Arbor Day Foundation:
Trees play a critical role in creating habitat for wildlife, and a healthier, safer and more connected community. They clean our air, filter our water. Trees also provide shade and cool our cities by up to 10 degrees. Neighborhood trees have shown the ability to reduce stress, improve overall health and development in children and encourage physical activity. And a healthy community-wide tree canopy fosters economic advantages as well as an increase in civic pride among residents.
I am asking the citizens of Fayette to get informed and ask Central Methodist to consider another solution to their parking woes.

Sincerely,
Ronda Gerlt