Councilman Marchese Chops at Tree Ordinance

At Monday night's council meeting, Councilman Bob Marchese proposed to revise Fair Haven's Tree Ordinance which he claims resricts the rights of property owners.

"Essentially, I am seeking to get government off the back of the taxpayer with regards to what they can do with their own property," said Marchese.

Marchese proposed the removal of the requirement that a property owner must replace a dead or diseased tree. Also, in his proposed revisions, the Tree Ordinance would only be applicable when a property owner with 10 or more trees seeks to remove five or more trees in a 12 month period.

On the elimination of the requirement to replace dead or diseased trees after removal, Marchese said "someone may not be able to afford to do both. We certainly want dead and diseased trees removed. Especially the diseased ones so the problem does not spread."

Elizabeth Lilleston, chair of the Fair Haven Shade Tree Commission (FSTC), disagrees with Marchese's proposal. "The purpose of replacing the dead and diseased trees is to maintain the canopy of the town," Lilleston said. "Replacing the trees is important in the long run."

On when the ordinance would be applicable, Marchese stands firm on his request. "The 12 month period provision makes the property unattractive to builders who might seek to clear cut a lot but allow the resident who has tree coming through their child's bedroom window to remove it without governmental involvement," Marchese said.

Michael Zifchak, member of the FSTC, feels this is an attempt to do away with the ordinance entirely. "How many home owners actually have 10 or more trees on their property?" said Zifchak. "If you have to have 10 or more trees on your property for the ordinance to even be applicable, then it basically eliminates the ordinance."

The topic of the proposed revisions to the Tree Ordinance will be addressed again at the council meeting on April 25.