Tenafly Considers New Tree Regulations

Tenafly Considers New Tree Regulations

A New proposal to combine the applications for moving soil and removing trees, and to add stricter guidelines for removing trees,  (which will require the applicant to first meet with the Department of Public Works and building department) was discussed in a meeting of the Tenafly council on December 4th 2012.

DPW Director Robert Buetel said that “Over the years I’ve been involved with tree ordinances, the town has gone from one extreme to another. You could take down a 32-inch tree and replace it with one little tree or you can take down a 32-inch tree and replace it with 15 trees and each tree could cost up to $750, it’s bizarre.”

He said that currently, a 32-inch tree that’s 30 feet or more away from a proposed house could rise to $15,000 in mitigation costs depending on the size and scope of the tree…..

Councilwoman Nadia LaMastra said the new ordinance was very difficult to read and understand and wondered how homeowners would understand and digest it…..the ordinance was voted to be moved forward in January as well as to add a chart that will clarify different criteria and requirements for that will help clarify the ordinance..

Read the full article on www.northjersey.com