Writer wants to know why trees were cut down

In his guest column, “On the importance of preserving open space across the state,” (Sentinel, Dec. 14) Brian J. Racin, chairman of the South River Environmental and Shade Tree Commission, rightly bemoans the “inexorable march of the ‘strip mall/McMansion machine’ that is churning across the State of New Jersey.”

I only have one question. Where was this concern on the part of the Shade Tree Commission when all the trees along Main Street in South River, as well as on many other streets, were systematically being cut down and no replacements planted. Aren’t trees an important part of the “preservation of open space” that Mr. Racin is so concerned about?

Bernice and Don McSorley

South River