On a usually quiet, tree-lined stretch of Coleman Street in Marine Park, one leaning street tree has turned into the block’s daily stress test. Neighbors say limbs keep dropping, and that one big branch recently came crashing down while kids were playing nearby. The canopy now sprawls over roofs and utility lines, leaving people on the block feeling more vulnerable than shaded.
John Loni, who lives on Coleman Street, told News 12 that the tree in front of his house “hasn't been pruned in about 15 years” and that branches “fall all the time.” He said a branch came down “within about 30 seconds” while two little kids were playing in the street.
Storm Damage Laid Bare Weak Spots
Residents told Brooklyn Paper that a fast-moving storm in July 2025 snapped a tree on Coleman Street and knocked down adjacent trees, putting the whole block on edge. According to Brooklyn Paper, Parks inspected 1371 Coleman Street in February 2025 and opened a work order for pruning. Neighbors say that even with repeated service requests, they are still waiting for timely follow-through.
City Rules on Who Can Trim
NYC Parks requires permits for work on city trees and posts guidance on how tree work is prioritized. The agency says on its forestry pages that any work on a city-owned tree has to be done by authorized crews or by someone with a Tree Work Permit. Those rules are meant to protect the urban canopy, but they also mean homeowners cannot legally prune street trees themselves and must rely on the city’s schedule or permitted contractors.
How to Report a Dangerous Tree
City guidance says residents should report downed or hazardous trees to 311 and use NYC Parks' online reporting tools, and to call 911 if there is an immediate life-or-death danger, according to NYC Emergency Management. Keeping track of a 311 ticket number and following up with local elected offices can help move non-emergency requests higher in the queue.
Who's Pushing for Action
Residents said they have contacted local elected officials, and a spokesperson for Council Member Mercedes Narcisse's office told Brooklyn Paper that the office has followed up with Con Edison and NYC Parks. Brooklyn Paper also reported that Con Edison inspected the location last summer, removed a broken branch and trimmed near a service wire, but said tree removal would require a separate directive.
News 12 says it has reached out to NYC Parks about neighbors' concerns and is awaiting a response. For now, Coleman Street residents are keeping their eyes on the canopy, and their phones on speed dial for 311.
