Politics & Government

Clayton Tree-Cover Law Wins Preliminary Approval

Aldermen voted 5-2 in favor of the measure during a first reading of the updated proposal Tuesday.

A in appears to be taking root.

At a meeting Tuesday, the Board of Aldermen voted 5-2 in favor of the measure as part of a first reading. The bill is expected to stand its final test June 12, at which time the board will again vote on the measure. If approved, the law would take effect July 1.

Some aldermen are concerned the bill represents an overreach of government into the lives of existing property owners who want to make improvements to their homes. Ward 1 Alderman Andrea Maddox-Dallas and Ward 2 Alderman Cynthia Garnholz have shared their concerns at several previous meetings and voted against the bill on Tuesday.

Mayor Linda Goldstein voted in favor of the measure, as did Ward 1 Alderman Joanne Boulton, Ward 2 Alderman Michelle Harris and Ward 3 aldermen Mark Winings and Alex Berger III.

The bill—No. 6314.2—has undergone several edits. The latest version would cap the amount of money that homeowners must pay into the city's forestry fund in the event that their home upgrade doesn't require review by the Architectural Review Board or "involves only the construction of a deck of 750 square feet or less."

Homeowners would still be expected to replace trees where possible with city-approved varieties. Any compensation needed beyond that would be made in the form of payment into the forestry fund, but that contribution "shall not exceed 25 percent of the total cost of the project," the ordinance states.

Several residents spoke out against the measure at Tuesday's meeting.

Read more about the Clayton tree ordinance on Patch:


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