Yorktown Residents Opposed to Tree Ordinance

The town board held a public hearing on the proposed Tree Preservation Ordinance during their meeting on September 7 at the Teatown Lake Reservation and numerous residents expressed their concerns and opposition.

Siegel said the town has been working on drafting a tree ordinance for the past two years, which would provide a clear policy on dealing with trees and set goals regarding the "community forest."

A community forest refers to all trees in Yorktown and it is separated to include woodland, landscaped property, individual trees and buffers, Linda Miller said. She and Ann Kutter have been extensively involved with the Tree Ordinance. Miller said preserving 70 percent of the community forest is their goal.

Yortown resident Jennie Sunshine expressed her support of the ordinance and said it provided a balance between homeowners' rights and preservation of trees. In a small property like hers, cutting down a tree affects people in different ways.

"[The ordinance] would show Yorktown is progressive and proactive," she said.

Jim Hannah, a 36-year resident, said he was opposed to the law. When he first arrived to town he said he saw a green, well-forested town, which he still sees today.

"So whatever the town has done in the past seems to work," he said. "If we don't have a problem, why are we repairing?"

Others were concerned about the costs associated with the ordinance and said there were a lot of questions, but not many answers. The ordinance would require a permit to remove trees, but the fee has not yet been specified. Siegel said the town would most likely be requiring a $15 fee to obtain a removal.

John Kincart said he was opposed to the Tree Ordinance as well, because he said it was infringing upon people's rights.

"People are freaking out when they hear what the law is," he said. "I don't like the term community forest. If you try to police me, I will fight."

He proposed that the town should educate and inform people about why trees are important and how to take care of them.

Siegel said the town board would accept written comments from the public, which board members would review during their September 15 work session. The board might pass the ordinance by the September 21 meeting.

The draft is in its current 11th version, which can be found online on the town website.