We want to stop ConEd from drastically reducing the number of trees in lower Westchester County in the Hudson River communities.
THE PROBLEM
ConEd has embarked on a drastic program of tree cutting and removal affecting all trees in the lower Hudson river municipalities growing within the following parameters: 10 feet along the sides or underneath any distribution power lines; 15 feet from the top of said power lines. Such extreme cutting back in a primary growth season spells death to many, if not most trees. It also means increased flooding, already a problem this year. Finally, as ConEd plans to leave 3-inch stumps of trees it removes, it will also increase property-owner liability.
OUR SOLUTION
To prevent increased flooding and protect property values, each municipality appoints a citizen committee to oversee tree trimming and hire its own certified arborist/s (to be paid for by ConEd) to ensure:
1. Minimal tree cutting/removal takes place
2. Alternative plantings are substituted where trees are to be removed
3. Flooding dangers will be considered equally with possible losses of power
4. Trees are trimmed in the fall and winter seasons to protect their survival
5. Trees which are removed are replaced by smaller trees
6. ConEd removes the stumps whenever trees must be cut down
