RECENT COMMENTS

City Council takes up new zoning classifications, guidelines on public trees

The adenda for the Feb.22 City Council meeting (PDF) includes approval of a few new zoning classifications, the reappointment of Marilyn B. Olds to the RRHA Board of Commissioners, and the potentially controversial establishment of new procedures “for the maintenance and removal of trees on City- owned property”.

Ord. No. 2010-33 (Patron: Mayor Jones) – To amend *** the City Code by adding *** a new div. 2 *** and to repeal Ord. No. 92-231-227 *** concerning the Municipal Tree Policy, for the purpose of establishing revised procedures and guidelines for the maintenance and removal of trees on City- owned property.

Ord. No. 2010-18 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) – To amend *** the City Code *** for the purpose of establishing a new R-8 Urban Residential District zoning classification.

Ord. No. 2010-19 (Patron: Mayor Jones, By Request) – To amend *** the City Code *** for the purpose of establishing a new B-7 Mixed-Use Business District zoning classification.

Res. No. 2010-R17 (Patrons: Ms. Newbille and President Graziano) – To reappoint Marilyn B. Olds as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority ***.

An email concerning 2010-33 is circulaiting and points out that the new policy was introduced without much public notice, the public has not had a chance to speak on the matter, and that no new policy should be enacted before the Urban Forestry Commission has been appointed:

As you may know, the 1992 Municipal Tree Policy has been being revised for some months now.  The Dept of Urban Forestry has worked variously with the Dept of Community Development and the Urban Design Committee and members of the Mayor’s staff to update the outdated policy and address many of the concerns we all have. […]

I believe that we should object to its adoption at this time for the following reasons:

1.  The public was not made aware of the policy changes and had no opportunity to read and comment on the ordinance, and 

2.  We strongly feel that no new tree policy should be instituted before the Urban Forestry Commission has been appointed and begun its work with the city staff to develop an appropriate ordinance.