New tree policy is taking shape in Ridgewood

New tree policy is taking shape in Ridgewood
MONDAY DECEMBER 17, 2012, 2:24 PM
BY DARIUS AMOS
STAFF WRITER
THE RIDGEWOOD NEWS

The Village Council is mulling over a proposed shade tree policy that, if approved, will bring changes that reflect environmental and economical concerns while fundamentally preserving Ridgewood’s identity as a community of tree-lined streets.

A new ordinance will also give the village the potential to launch a shade tree commission.

Council members emphasize that discussion over the various components of the plan, which was presented last week by members of the Ridgewood Environmental Advisory Committee (REAC), will continue during future meetings.

REAC has stressed the need for a new tree ordinance for several years and has been drafting the policy, which features elements borrowed from the Township of Hanover’s code, for the greater portion of 2012. That need was highlighted in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, which uprooted hundreds of trees and caused widespread property damage.

To reduce damage during future storms, REAC is proposing an ordinance that will end tree-planting in the public right of way. Felled trees that were located in the area between the curb and sidewalk caused thousands of dollars worth of damage to public and private property, said Councilwoman Bernadette Walsh.

https://www.northjersey.com/news/183822911_New_tree_policy_is_taking_shape_in_Ridgewood.html