Some area residents have been complaining about the number of trees cut down for the first phase of what's called the Octagon Center project at Old Oxford Valley and Big Oak Roads.
Limits were set, but township officials say the Matrix Development Group exceeded them cutting down 110 trees more than they were supposed to practically wiping out the tree line along the street.
"People fought having anything built there for years and then they go and chop down 110 more trees than they were supposed to. It's just terrible," said Andrea Baker of Lower Makefield.
"So disingenuous to strike an agreement and to breach it and to have to force residents to police what happens and to have to restore what should never have been taken down to begin with," said Scott Neave also of Lower Makefield.
"If it was 3 or 4 trees you live with it but 110? And as you can see they were pretty tall," said Sandy Bartkowski.
The township said the extra trees were taken out because of a mistake by the surveyor.
Officials are insisting every one of the trees be replaced and the developer has agreed to that.
Matrix did not return our phone calls but vice president Russell Tapper told a local paper he regrets the mistake, adding "We are working closely and diligently with the township to resolve the matter quickly, which will result in new trees being planted."
A local real estate broker not involved with the project calls the fuss pure vindictiveness on the part of people opposed to any building on the site.
"This township needs more tax ratables and they're worried about 110 skinny little trees? Not making sense to you? It's a senseless argument," said Jay Robins.
The township wants the trees replanted this spring.
