By Roslyn Anderson
roslyn@albt.net

In 1997 Scott and Mary Welch built a two story tree house for their children in their front yard in Clinton.  They say in April the city told them it had to come down.  Tuesday night a hearing was held to decide the fate of the tree house.

It was standing room only at the Clinton Planning and Zoning meeting as residents gathered to support Scott and Mary Welch.  Three months ago the family was ordered to remove a two story Victorian tree house which sits in their front yard.  The city cited ordinance violations.

Their attorney Steve Smith asked the board for a conditional use permit that would allow the tree house to remain.

Smith says, "It promotes public health, public safety, morals and certainly the general welfare of the city of Clinton."

Neighbor Lawson Metz says, "We're here because they are the Welches because it is a wonderful, wonderful place for children to be."

After opening the floor for comments the board voted 4 to 1 to pass the issue on to the mayor and board of alderman for a final recommendation.

Planning and Zoning Committee member Janet Sherror says, "We have had facts presented to us that we have not had a chance to peruse."

Scott Welch says, "These people are knowledgeable of the ordinance and they can not make a decision on this so obviously it's a very hard decision, and I think the people here are in support of it."

When the commission asked the crowd of more than 100 people present if anyone objected to the tree house, no one raised their hand or voiced any opposition.

Metz adds, "They went out of their way to pass a zoning change about eight years about which allowed a building at the end of our street which is still empty, so they can change the ordinances."

Neighbor Paul Jacobs says, "I am very disappointed that they decided to pass it on to the mayor and aldermen and as I see it just pass the buck."

A petition with more than 600 signatures of support was presented to the board. Those attending vow to return when the tree house issue comes up before city leaders.