CANTON — Residents upset that an adjacent property owner clear-cut trees behind their homes said Monday night they’re pleased most of the debris has been removed since last month, when they complained to the village board.

Donald J. Tracy, who owns several acres of land off Ike Noble Drive, has been criticized by several Fairlane Drive homeowners who were upset with him for leaving behind tree stumps, limbs and brush when he cleared the land for a development project.

One of the most vocal critics, Laurie A. Swinwood, 20 Fairlane Drive, said although she’s glad that progress is being made on the cleanup, she would like more information about Mr. Tracy’s development plans and whether he will be planting some new trees.

“We wonder what the goal is overall. He has done a lot, but it’s not done,” Mrs. Swinwood said. “Most of us had beautiful forests behind us. Now we don’t have one tree standing.”

Her husband, Richard Swinwood, said he would like to know if Mr. Tracy plans to remove a berm of tree limbs sitting on one side of the property.

Village Code Enforcement Officer Russell B. Lawrence IV said he’s been checking on the property, but hasn’t discussed with Mr. Tracy the status of his development plans or whether he will be planting trees at some point. Mr. Tracy did not attend the meeting.

“He hasn’t discussed anything with me,” Mr. Lawrence said. “He’s showing a good-faith effort to get it achieved. He is getting there.”

Village Attorney Gerald J. Ducharme said before starting a development project, Mr. Tracy will be required to submit a site plan. If the project involves a subdivision, the village board would review the proposal. If he is planning a multiple housing project, the village Planning Board would first review the plans.

In other news, the board accepted the resignation of Basil W. Cheney as provisional police chief and approved his return to his sergeant’s position, effective June 28.

There was no discussion in public session about how the board will handle the police chief vacancy. Mr. Cheney decided to resign from the police chief’s job about a month after being appointed because the $75,000 salary was lower than he was being paid as a sergeant when overtime pay was included.

Following public session, trustees met in executive session but did not take action on the vacant police chief job.

“I can’t give any answers yet. Everything is up in the air,” Mayor David C. Curry said.

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