Tree sculpture will stand
By Sophia Fischer sfischer@theacorn.com

The wild animals in Gary Oppenheimer's backyard overlooking Westlake Lake can stay.

A 20foot sculpture that features near life-size versions of a giraffe, elephant, eagle, bear and gorilla were the subject of an April 18 hearing by Oppenheimer's homeowner group, the Southshore Property Owners Association.

After Oppenheimer had a large pine tree in his yard carved into the animal sculpture, he received a letter from the association citing him for altering a mature tree without permission. Oppenheimer faced monetary fines.

Initial reports that the tree was dead were untrue, a source told The Acorn.

The hearing resulted in an agreement between Oppenheimer and the association that the sculpture could stay as long as Oppenheimer plants a similar tree as a replacement.

"All they want is another tree that's the same size," Oppenheimer said. "I have no problem with that."

No complaint about the sculpture had been filed, according to Association Manager Ilene Decker at the Emmons Company, the association's property manager, but board members had seen the carving and felt that certain rules had been violated.

"This was a very mature live pine tree," Decker said. "It's up to the board of directors to uphold the rules of the association."

Oppenheimer agreed to plant a 24-inch box size tree once he's ready to relandscape his backyard. One member of the board said the association would prefer a 48inch, not a 24inch tree replacement.

Oppenheimer is demolishing his old house and building a new one. The type of tree will be determined at a later date and reviewed by the association.

"The board was not specific about that but it's silly to do now since he's going to remodel and the water will be shut off," Decker said. "The new tree will be part of his new landscape plan."

Oppenheimer commissioned artist Stacy Poitras to work on the sculpture. Poitras spent a month carving the tree with a chainsaw.