At a Sept. 14 San Jose planning director's hearing, the city reviewed Michael Vaggione's request to remove a 90-foot redwood tree from his vacant lot at 1580 Cottle Ave. The planning staff recommended denial of the permit because it did not comply with the tree removal ordinance.

The ordinance allows owners to cut down mature trees that are larger than 56 inches in circumference, if the tree has a negative economic impact on the development or if is a hazard.

However, two arborists, one representing the city and one hired by Vaggione, said the tree was healthy and not a danger.

Vaggione disagreed and said the redwood tree was a danger to his next-door neighbors, who recently built a home under the tree, which leans seven feet off center. If it fell, the tree would demolish the home, Vaggione said.

Vaggione also said the tree had an economic impact because Pacific Gas & Electric could not provide overhead electricity to his home without removing the redwood or trimming the property's four cedars. Vaggione moved his home to the rear of the lot to save the cedars. But the redwood was still a problem, he said.

City staffers said the electrical issue could be solved by placing the power lines underground.

Two neighbors, Spencer Horowitz and Tom Schneck, attended the hearing to voice their disapproval of cutting the tree.

"Willow Glen is defined partly by trees," Schneck said. "I'd like see Willow Glen use its growth to preserve its charm and its character."