Brooklyn Residents Object to Mandatory Trees

by Sandy Eller – VIN News

Former Mayor Michael Bloomberg may have had ambitious goals when he announced his intention to plant one million trees in New York City by the year 2017, but some Brooklyn residents are objecting to the forced beautification of their streets according to a local elected official.

Assemblyman Dov Hikind spoke out today against the mandatory project, saying that while it may have environmental and aesthetic benefits, it forces homeowners to deal with a host of issues, including raking leaves, rambunctious tree roots that can permanently damage sidewalks and falling tree limbs.

“These trees come with responsibilities and those responsibilities then become the problem of the homeowner,” Hikind told VIN News.  “Aren’t there enough spaces to plant these trees on not infringe upon peoples’ property rights?”

Hikind said that homeowners should have the option of refusing a tree in front of their home and asked Mitchell Silver, commissioner of the New York City Department of Parks and Recreation to change city policy and allow homeowners to refuse a tree.

“I am for trees, but I am against forcing homeowners to have one in front of their house,” said Hikind.

Free trees had previously been available from the city on a first come first serve basis, but under the MillionTreesNYC project, many homeowners were not aware that they were about to receive a tree until their sidewalks were marked and cut.

4 Comments

  • in front of 770 lefferts ave

    one tree was cut down it block seeing where the driveway is when there’s a lot of cars parked there.

  • TY

    if it really causes difficulty with parking, then for sure it is not ok, and good that someone was proactive to say something.
    maybe better to have a flowering bush or something

  • nice

    If they want to plant trees, by all means,
    Always wondered, what are those two poles for?

  • Grateful we left

    Can’t imagine complaining about a tree. Guess people living in NY too long. Sad.