Council puts halt to removal of trees
The Times-Dispatch provides an update on the city’s tree removal policy, which appeared to leap into high gear earlier this fall. City Council has asked for a moratorium on tree removal — except for ones that pose a public threat — and for the city to return with a revamped policy on the cutting down […]
The Times-Dispatch provides an update on the city’s tree removal policy, which appeared to leap into high gear earlier this fall. City Council has asked for a moratorium on tree removal — except for ones that pose a public threat — and for the city to return with a revamped policy on the cutting down of trees by December:
After a contentious run of tree removal by the city, there’s a moratorium on cutting down all but the most dangerous trees in the city. It will remain in effect at least until early December, when the city is expected to announce a wholesale revision of the policy for cutting down trees.
City Council President William J. Pantele led the charge to pass the ordinance. In the council’s 3 p.m. meeting, which was dominated by the redevelopment proposals, he called the tree ordinance “basically emergency legislation.” By his reading of city policy, he said half the trees in the Fan District could have been removed by the city.
“I hope that certainly within the next 30 days, there will be a more sensible policy,” he said shortly before the council passed the measure during its 6 p.m. meeting.
Chris A. Hilbert, who represents the neighboring 3rd District, said he was in favor of the move as long as it was a starting point.
“Let it be clear this will be the beginning of a longer process,” he said.
Protecting the city’s trees, Hilbert said, is “fundamental to the health of our citizens.”
Kathy C. Graziano, the 4th District representative who leads the council’s Land Use Committee, said the city has promised a new policy by early December.
“It addresses public safety but also the importance of trees in our society,” she said.
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