BROWNSVILLE — The city wants to plant a million trees — but some residents of Brownsville aren’t exactly tree-huggers.

Around the time of World War I, Sgt. Joyce Kilmer wrote a poem saying, “I think I shall never see/a poem as lovely as a tree.� But here, concerns range from tree roots damaging sidewalks to the flaring of allergies.

Some residents also believe the money could be better spent on other community needs. “Are you going to plant trees on my property, where I pay mortgage, to plant a tree I don’t want?� asked Blanche Louise Peltonbusch, 72, who has lived in the neighborhood 28 years.

“You’re demanding a tree in front of our house during a depression?�

Her anxious comments came during a Parks Department presentation about the tree-planting plan at a recent Community Board 16 meeting.

“But it’s the mayor’s initiative,� said an exasperated Erin Maehr, a Parks Department forester. Peltonbusch wasn’t the only voice of opposition in the crowd. At one point, someone shouted, “I hope it’s not ginkgo trees!�

The ginkgo tree is notorious for its pungent berries. It is listed as one of the Top 10 trees grown in New York, according to milliontreesnyc.org.

Phil Abramson, a Parks Department spokesman, said that despite pockets of opposition the million trees are going to be planted — including ginkgos.

“A property owner’s consent is not a requirement for the city to plant a street tree in front of a property,� he said in an email.

The tree-planting program is part of the mayor’s PlaNYC initiative to create clean, open, green spaces in the next 10 years throughout the five boroughs. The mayor has set aside $400 million for project, which kicked off in October 2007.

The city will be responsible for planting 60 percent of the trees on streets, parks and other public areas. The other 40 percent is expected to come from private organizations, community groups and homeowners.

While the city wants everyone to assist, don’t count on Peltonbusch adding Arbor Day to her busy calendar of community events.

Some Are Tree Enthusiasts

But not everyone in the neighborhood hates trees.

Norman Frazier, 57, Peltonbusch’s neighbor, is a tree enthusiast.

“The more trees the better,� said Frazier. “Concrete makes for a dusty place.�

For 32 years he maintained the buildings and grounds of the Marcus Garvey Village Apartments. Trees line every street along the apartments and courtyards.

“How can you not see the beauty of trees?� he asked.

The community board is seeking a lot more than trees, though, to enhance the quality of life in Brownsville.

The board’s wish list includes renovating the Prospect Plaza Houses. The community would like to see commercial strips along Rockaway, Livonia and Saratoga avenues revitalized, and an elevator installed in the Rockaway Avenue subway station.

Peltonbusch and others said the neighborhood has more pressing needs than trees.

“Beautify the people,� Peltonbusch said. “Give them money to beautify themselves with food. Give them money to beautify themselves with education.�

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