Trees breathe new air into community

Sun, September 21, 2008

By NATASHA MARAR, SPECIAL TO SUN MEDIA

Not everyone was impressed that trees were planted yesterday at Old East Commons on Ontario Street. "If they plant the trees too close (to my property), the roots will start ripping up my driveway," said Jeremy Heppenheimer, who lives next to the new green space. Life*Spin, a volunteer organization that supports low-income families in London, is transforming the 27-by-six-metre lot where a dilapidated house once stood. Heppenheimer said his asphalt driveway sunk after the house was removed and the land levelled. He's also concerned with excessive leaves and mulch flying into his yard from the trees. Julie Ryan, executive director of Reforest London, which donated some of the new trees, said that while trees sometimes do cause asphalt to buckle, "that's part of having a healthy environment." Silver maple, red oak and white pine were among the 19 trees put in by volunteers through the afternoon. When it's completed, Old East Commons will feature organic vegetable gardens, paths, a patio area, a shed and a small basketball court. "There is hardly any recreational green space in Old East," said Meagen Pyper, Life*Spin's urban development co-ordinator. "The community's response is uplifting. I'm lucky to live here and be a part of it." Dawn Macintosh, an Old East Heritage District resident, looked on as her son, Trevor, 6, helped with the digging. "This has always been a rough area and this little spot of nature is helping the whole neighbourhood blossom," she said.