To help reach its goal of planting 1 million new trees by 2030, the city is contemplating a new rule that would force homeowners and developers to plant new street trees when buildings are remodeled.
"Developers, homeowners who put additions on their houses, and owners of buildings being converted for new uses may be forced to buy and plant trees along the street to aid in the effort to meet Mayor Bloomberg's goal of planting 1 million new trees by 2030.
Under a new proposal put forth by the Department of City Planning, these property owners and developers of new properties would have to purchase and plant at least one tree for every 25 feet of their property that runs alongside a street. Once planted, the trees would be maintained by the city. An organization that promotes the planting and preservation of trees in the city, Trees New York, estimates that it costs between $500 and $800 to purchase and plant a tree in the city. The city's Department of Parks and Recreation plants trees for free upon request, but Trees New York states on its Web site that high demand means there can be a two-year wait."
FULL STORY: Homeowners May Be Forced To Plant Trees
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.
Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.
Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
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