We, the undersigned hereby support the protection of the giant oak and row of cherry trees around the old Suntrust bank in downtown St. Elmo. The developer plans a 4-story parking garage involving destruction of this healthy, life-supporting canopy. We encourage their design to work around demolition for their own place-making and positive public relations as well as for the people who love these trees and the critters they house and the shade we are blessed with and:
air-cleaning
life-sustaining wildlife habitat
irreplaceable beauty
sound and charm barrier to the roar of Chattem Chemicals
storm water control
urgent urban biodiversity
quality of life for present and future generations
Sustainability and the Triple Bottom Line (economy, environment, community)