BikeWalkLee comments to BoCC on Daniels Parkway tree removal proposal

At the 5/29 BoCC meeting, County staff presented a response to a commissioner request to consider a proposal by a business owner to remove 20 trees on Daniels Parkway.   BikeWalkLee submitted a letter on 5/28 in support of staff recommendations to maintain current policies which support adding trees to rights-of-way.  Below are excerpts from our letter.  On 5/29, the Board indicated their support for current policy but asked that the issue be referred to both the sustainability and landscaping committees to make recommendations to the Board.

Dear Commissioners:

BikeWalkLee, a coalition to complete the streets in Lee County, works for a balanced multi-modal transportation system and sustainable community.  We understand that there will be a discussion at the May 29th Board meeting related to a business owner's desire to remove  about 20 trees from Daniels Parkway near the intersection of Apaloosa Lane.  As we understand it, the removal of the trees is to create a  ‘clear view’ of the building front that is over 250’ from the road edge.  Approval of such a request would be directly counter to multiple Lee County policies and guidelines.  These policies specifically promote adding trees to rights-of-way as part of the county's  Comprehensive Plan dealing with open space, roadway landscaping, and shade for walkers and cyclists.  All of these policy directions were recently re-affirmed in the EAR which strengthened the county's commitment to livability, complete streets, community character and sustainability.

We believe that the Board should follow the existing policies and not consider the request for tree removal.   Such a decision would set an undesirable  precedent with trees being removed as a quick ‘first’ option rather than working towards better solutions..... 

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 Our interest in this issue is based on our concern for promoting alternative forms of transportation.  Trees along pathways, bicycle lanes, and roadways increase pedestrian and bicycle safety and provide a shade respite in the Florida summers.....

Click here to read the full letter.