Q&A
Constituent complaints about tree-related issues and Parks Department's response
1:06:08
ยท
142 sec
Council Member Williams presents several examples of constituent complaints regarding tree-related issues and asks how the proposed bill might have prevented or mitigated these problems.
- Examples include leaning trees, root damage to sewers, fallen trees damaging property, and overgrown branches affecting solar panels.
- The complaints highlight issues with response times and resolution of tree-related incidents.
- Council Member Williams asks how the criteria in the proposed bill might have helped in these situations.
- She also inquires if a transparent system for tree maintenance prioritization would reduce complaints to council members and 311.
Nantasha M. Williams
1:06:08
Can you talk a little bit about I just had my question.
1:06:15
I completely lost it.
1:06:20
Mine is a terrible thing to waste.
1:06:21
I'll go back to my other questions, and hopefully, I remember that one.
1:06:27
It had to do with the tree climbing.
1:06:30
Okay.
1:06:32
So I have, like, a whole bunch of constituents.
1:06:35
So, like, there's an issue with the constituents since, like, 2018.
1:06:39
Mister Sydney, he's been dealing with the tree leaning dangerously against his house.
1:06:42
The roots of this tree have also clogged, the sewer system, creating ongoing maintenance and financial burdens despite repeated outreach to 3 one one and other city resources.
1:06:53
No permanent resolution has been provided.
1:06:56
Then I have another constituent, mister Weeks, who reported that an old tree fell on his car causing extensive damage.
1:07:02
After contacting 3 one one, he was informed to wait 30 days for a response.
1:07:06
Even after the waiting period, he did not receive any follow-up or resolution.
1:07:10
The lack of timely action highlights inefficiencies in adjusting urgent tree related incidents.
1:07:16
I had miss Britt who contacted our office about tree roots growing in a way that threatened to damage the sewer line, and I understand.
1:07:23
I've had folks explain it to me.
1:07:26
It's not that the, the the roots get into the sewer line.
1:07:31
There was probably cracks.
1:07:33
But either way, like, if there is a crack in the sewer line, the trees tend to to grow there.
1:07:39
Despite the tree being planted by the city, she was told she would need to cover the cost for the removal.
1:07:43
This left her feeling very overwhelmed.
1:07:45
I have miss Durham, who reported an overgrown tree near her home since 2022.
1:07:50
The tree's branches have grown to the point of touching her solar panels, risking damage to her property and its energy system.
1:07:56
The branches also extend over the sidewalk, posing a physical hazard to pedestrians.
1:08:00
Despite multiple calls to 311, no action has been taken to address the issue, obviously leaving her frustrated.
1:08:07
So could you explain how the criteria described in this bill might have prevented or mitigated some of the specific issues raised by our constituents, such as falling trees or root damage?
1:08:17
And would you agree that a transparent system for tree maintenance prioritization would help to reduce the number of complaints received, by council members and three one one.
Vickie Paladino
1:08:29
Okay.
1:08:29
And I
Nantasha M. Williams
1:08:30
remember my other question, which was, if you could share, the the current, schedule for tree maintenance because I know that it was delayed.