A long, narrow parcel off Longacre (Loneacre) Drive has become a neighborhood safety concern as decades‑old oaks have overgrown onto adjacent yards and in some cases begun to lean, prompting residents to ask the city what can be done.

Council president Wall introduced the issue during Public Works, saying the parcel appears to have been owned by an LLC that stopped paying taxes decades ago and that the trees are large and could cause substantial damage if they fall. He asked the city solicitor for legal guidance.

Solicitor Vidakimay told the council that under Rhode Island law (Title 34) an adjoining landowner has a limited right to trim branches that intrude on their property ‘‘up to the property line’’ but must do so at their own expense and may not, by statute, destroy the tree. He referenced a recent case before Judge Lamphere in which a court allowed removal beyond branches where trunk encroachment posed a safety risk; that decision, the solicitor said, was fact‑specific and not a general license to remove trees beyond branches.

The parcel is largely wetland, Vidakimay said, and ownership records show a defunct LLC; the city has not perfected tax title, and the administration advised against the city entering and cutting trees because of potential costs and liability exposure if work were performed improperly. Attorney Marcelo added that while a tax lien exists the city has not foreclosed and therefore it does not hold clear title.

Council members and neighbors discussed options. Councilman Andujar suggested redeveloping or selling subdivided lots to abutters at nominal prices so homeowners could manage vegetation at the rear of their lots; other councilors warned that wetlands crossings and DEM permitting would add complexity and cost. Councilman Bonanno and others urged exploring tax‑title or coordinated action, but the administration said such steps carry fiscal and procedural hurdles.

No motion was made to authorize city crews to enter or clear the parcel. The discussion closed with council members asking for more research into legal precedents, the tax/title history and potential approaches that would avoid exposing the city to liability.

Ending

Council members asked staff and the solicitor to return with options and more detailed cost and permitting information rather than take immediate action.