WARREN, Ohio - Following the backlash caused after the City of Warren cut down trees to make way for a bocce court, plans are in the works to revive a group that would help advise the city on tree issues.

Mayor Doug Franklin tells 21 News he will try and reinstate an arbor commission.

The announcement comes after a number of trees were cut down to make room for the bocce court in Perkins Park.

The city hasn't had an arbor commission since the 1990s.

An ordinance enacted in 1998 gives the mayor and council the power to appoint seven citizens to an arbor commission which would have the power to regulate shade trees and shrubbery in the city. 

The commission would develop and administer a written plan for the care, preservation, pruning, planting, replanting, removal or disposition of trees and shrubs in parks, along streets and in other public areas.

Such a plan shall be presented annually to Council and upon its acceptance and approval shall constitute the official comprehensive City Tree Plan for the City. 

Mayor Franklin says he would consult them for ideas so that they don't run into situations like this again.

"I think it's a very beneficial first step. We still have a lot of work to do to repair the trust damage that took place with the removal of those trees,” said Franklin. “I've been working with everyone who listened to me to repair that damage, so we're moving in the right direction."

Franklin says he still doesn't have a timetable set for this commission. He says he first has to review the ordinance to see if the group would still be relevant for the issues they deal with today.

Concerned citizens and historical organizations in Warren are seeking a commitment from the mayor to relocate bocce courts and re-plant trees in a historic- grounds area.

The organizations have also started a petition for people who live in the area to sign to show their support for the area.