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Maplewood Officials Block Developer From Tearing Down 271-Year-Old Tree

Source: Baristanet · Aug 4, 2026, 4:23 PM

AI-assisted briefing from the publisher’s public headline and excerpt — not original reporting. How we write briefings

Maplewood Officials Block Developer From Tearing Down 271-Year-Old Tree news image

Maplewood township officials have prevented a developer from removing a centuries-old London plane tree on a residential property.

Anthony Nardone purchased the parcel at 62 Pierson Road and received approval to subdivide it and construct two new homes, but the town's arborist identified a massive, multi-trunk tree on the site as 271 years old.

The discovery triggered local preservation concerns, leading officials to block the removal and protect the historic tree as part of the development review process.

Key points

  • The tree is a 271-year-old London plane with multiple trunks, according to the town arborist
  • Developer Anthony Nardone had received approval to subdivide the property and build two new homes
  • Maplewood officials blocked the removal to protect the historic tree from demolition
  • The property is located at 62 Pierson Road in Maplewood

FAQ

How old is the tree being protected?
The town arborist determined the London plane tree is 271 years old, making it a significant historical landmark on the property.
What was the developer's original plan?
Anthony Nardone purchased the property to subdivide it and build two new homes, but the presence of the protected tree has become an obstacle to that development plan.
Why did officials block the tree removal?
Local officials decided to protect the tree as a historic natural resource, preventing the developer from clearing it as part of the residential development project.

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