Envy Apartment

By Gareth McGrath, Staff Writer A small sign at the entrance to the Crosswinds Apartments says "Newly Renovated." But it's doubtful the sign refers to the nearly three-tenths of a mile of trees that have been cut down and shrubs that have been ripped up along St. Andrews Drive. The landscaping work has increased the visibility of the apartments. It also has raised the ire of Wilmington officials who have slapped the complex's owner with a $200 fine for each tree allegedly removed illegally . With 231 trees cut down, the fine totals $46,200. That's the largest penalty for illegal tree removal levied by the city that anyone interviewed can remember. "It certainly is a significant amount," said City Attorney Tom Pollard . Pausing from her daily walk with Aspen, her yellow Labrador, Jessica Groome stared at the dozens of ankle- and knee- high stumps stretching nearly a block and shook her head. "It's ugly, and that's a shame because it us...