OK, we get it. A lot of trees got taken out all over the city and we need to conserve what is left, along with bringing many new ones in. But who owns and determines the fate of the trees on one’s property? Can the city legally regulate how one’s property is landscaped? What exactly is going on here?
If you haven’t heard the news yet, here are the basics:
The City Council is proposing – as a revision of the city’s Tree Protection Ordinance – that property owners who intend to cut a tree greater than six inches in diameter may be required to plant replacements and/or pay into a replacement fund.
Advocates of the plan suggest that it will be a big help in restoring the recently decimated tree population and result in the gradual rehabilitation of the city’s fragile green canopy.
In practice, the plan is to require property owners to file a permit application that includes a plan showing which trees would be removed and where new ones would go. A “Tree Fund” fee would be charged at the time of filing the permit application. An option to request a waiver of fees for financial hardship, because a tree is damaging a building, or for any reason at all, is also to be implemented.
While those advocating the plan insist that it does not constitute a “ban” on cutting trees, some feel that the whole thing still smacks of undue regulation and encroachment of private property rights.
A public hearing on the matter will be held on March 12 at City Hall, 6:00 p.m. Those interested can attend the meeting to share their views or send it by email to CityCouncil@somervillema.gov. The city’s website has detailed info on the plan as well. Get and stay informed.
Our View of the Times – February 20
OK, we get it. A lot of trees got taken out all over the city and we need to conserve what is left, along with bringing many new ones in. But who owns and determines the fate of the trees on one’s property? Can the city legally regulate how one’s property is landscaped? What exactly is going on here?
If you haven’t heard the news yet, here are the basics:
The City Council is proposing – as a revision of the city’s Tree Protection Ordinance – that property owners who intend to cut a tree greater than six inches in diameter may be required to plant replacements and/or pay into a replacement fund.
Advocates of the plan suggest that it will be a big help in restoring the recently decimated tree population and result in the gradual rehabilitation of the city’s fragile green canopy.
In practice, the plan is to require property owners to file a permit application that includes a plan showing which trees would be removed and where new ones would go. A “Tree Fund” fee would be charged at the time of filing the permit application. An option to request a waiver of fees for financial hardship, because a tree is damaging a building, or for any reason at all, is also to be implemented.
While those advocating the plan insist that it does not constitute a “ban” on cutting trees, some feel that the whole thing still smacks of undue regulation and encroachment of private property rights.
A public hearing on the matter will be held on March 12 at City Hall, 6:00 p.m. Those interested can attend the meeting to share their views or send it by email to CityCouncil@somervillema.gov. The city’s website has detailed info on the plan as well. Get and stay informed.