Wilmington lifts stop-work order after developer cut down oak trees
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We have an update on a stop-work order that’s now been lifted by the city of Wilmington after a developer cut down several oak trees.
Earlier this month, the city issued a stop-work order for South Carolina-based Johnson Development Associates after several trees were cut down at a construction site on Wrightsville Avenue.
The city issued the stop-work order because of inconsistencies found between the trees that were cut, and the tree survey the developer submitted.
Since then, a spokesperson for the city says the developer worked with city staff to revise the original tree survey.
The spokesperson also says the developer has made a commitment to plant more than 300 trees on the property.
Once complete, the site will be home to shops and around 600 apartment units.
You can read the full response from the city below:
“In response to the community’s concerns, the City of Wilmington began reviewing tree removal activity at the Haven at Galleria project site. On June 7, 2025, city staff identified inconsistencies between the trees removed on the former ABC store site and those shown in the original tree survey submitted for development review. A stop-work order was issued to allow time to investigate these discrepancies.
City council and staff acted quickly to address the issue and ensure the project remains aligned with both regulatory requirements and community expectations. Since then, the developer has worked closely with staff to revise the tree survey and submit an updated mitigation plan that reflects the full scope of removals. The stop-work order was lifted on June 11, 2025, after city staff confirmed the updated plans met applicable standards.
While the removal of mature trees is always a serious matter, the developer has committed to a substantial replanting effort. The first phase alone will include 205 canopy trees totaling 548 caliper inches, including native canopy species such as Southern Live Oaks, Darlington Oaks, Cypress, Southern Magnolias, and River Birch, which will be planted to fulfill mitigation, buffer, street tree, and parking lot landscaping requirements. Southern Live Oaks feature prominently in the design, including:
- Two 6-inch caliper Southern Live Oaks in the building courtyard facing Wrightsville Avenue
- Three 7-inch caliper Southern Live Oaks at the Galleria Boulevard entrance
- 22 5-inch caliper Southern Live Oaks, many serving as new street trees along Steadman Street
At full build-out, the city anticipates over 300 trees will be planted on site, including smaller flowering trees.
Council, staff, and the developer will continue working together to refine the streetscape along Wrightsville Avenue, incorporating larger trees at planting where possible to ensure that mitigation efforts deliver meaningful results. This effort supports a stronger long-term urban canopy and reflects the city’s broader environmental values.
Because the Haven at Galleria was approved under the city’s previous Land Development Code, newer protections, such as the specimen tree designation and updated mitigation requirements, do not apply retroactively.
Today, environmental considerations are deeply embedded in the city’s regulatory framework. Recent updates to the Land Development Code include stronger tree protections, enhanced floodplain and wetland safeguards, and permanent preservation of sensitive natural areas. The removal of high-value specimen trees now requires approval from the Board of Adjustment and must be mitigated at a 2-to-1 ratio or offset through contributions to the city’s tree fund. These policies exceed federal minimums and demonstrate a long-term commitment to climate resilience, ecological health, and sustainable growth.”
