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Letter: Commission should cover 'Granny' costs

I strongly disagree with the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission statement that, in an effort to save "Granny" (the centuries-old oak tree in North Fair Oaks), it would be "a gift of public funds to spend money on this tree to benefit the individual homeowner and adjacent neighbors."

Our heritage trees are a benefit to the entire community along with clean air, food and shelter for animals and insects. "Granny" is part of a larger system, and the very symbol of Menlo Park.

Meanwhile, the North Fair Oaks neighbors are besieged by construction noise and dirt. Is the commission compensating the property owners for the loss of quiet enjoyment of property values?

I have a responsibility to maintain heritage trees on my property and budget for it. Surely the commission could have foreseen this expense years ago.

Is the Almanac offering to endow a fund to maintain the tree? That is "small price to pay."

Jill Andre, Pope Street, Menlo Park