We Won!! Maitland City Council Voted To Save Chippewa Tree

Tonight the Maitland City Council voted to move the Chippewa Trail sidewalk to a safer route, one that completely avoids the Chippewa Tree's root system. After weeks of petitions, emails, and brain storming phone calls, our community was heard. This victory belongs to every single one of you.

I want to thank Council Members John Lowndes, Scot French, and Keith Givens for listening to this community with open minds and having the courage to make the right decision. Maitland is lucky to have elected officials who hear their constituents and act accordingly. 

I also want to acknowledge with deep respect the neighbors on our street who had concerns about the sidewalk moving to the south side. Change is never easy and I understand this outcome brings its own adjustments for some of our neighbors. My commitment to all of you is that we will work together as a community through whatever comes next. 

To everyone who worked behind the scenes, you know who you are. The phone calls made, the doors knocked, the research done, the documents written, the officials contacted, the emails sent at midnight. This campaign was carried by people who gave their time and energy quietly and without recognition. Thank you. To State Representative Anna Eskamani, the Florida Urban Forestry office, and the Office of the Orange County Mayor,  your support elevated this campaign beyond our neighborhood and we are deeply grateful. To every neighbor who stood at that microphone on June 8th, you were extraordinary. You spoke with grace, intelligence, and genuine love for this community. I could not be more proud to call you my neighbors.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

With deep gratitude,

Jeff Fuller