Letter to the Editor: Tree law an “outrageous intrusion”

March 5, 2010
by Susan De Felice

The revised tree preservation law is an outrageous intrusion on the rights of private homeowners by this town.

Among other changes it includes trees

4” in diameter, ornamentals and the notification of your neighbors. 

You own your trees and should have the absolute right to maintain them and

protect your home without having to be involved in excessive and expensive

permit processes. The permit fee is now $50.00 for one tree for a private

homeowner. 

There is, as demonstrated by the catastrophic events of the past

few days, no shortage of trees in New Castle. No threat from excessive chain

saw use. If anything, there are way too many trees in need of pruning and

good maintenance. 

We are perfectly capable of maintaining are own backyards and will make our

own decisions concerning our trees. Reduce the permit fee to prior rates and leave the Tree

Preservation Law alone. These complex, time consuming and expensive new

regulations are ridiculous and infuriating. 

The public hearing on amendments to the tree preservation law continues at the town board’s next meeting, on March 9, 2010.  To read commentary from previous issues—including Supervisor Gerrard’s explanation of the amendments—click HERE.