Cheryl Mayes Speaks for the Trees…

QUESTION #1

The Fort Negley clear-cutting and the NFL cherry-tree incidents illustrated something obvious: When it comes to the urban canopy, there is a breakdown of communication between the segments of Metro Government responsible for trees. The problem is that trees fall under the jurisdiction of many different departments (codes, stormwater, electrical, parks). What internal operational changes need to be made to better protect the existing canopy?

The responsibility to protect and care for trees should be under the jurisdiction of one department Metro Parks Whether a individual is proposing construction on or near a City street tree, planting a tree on their own, or submitting a building plan for review, they must first apply for a Tree Work Permit.

QUESTION #2

Do you support the city’s first tree bill in over a decade (BL2018-1416) in its current form? If not, what changes do you want to see? Or should it be stronger and broader in scope? BL1416 impacts only commercial and multi-family land use types. Do you support enacting tree laws for single-family residential?

I support enacting tree laws for single-family residential.

QUESTION #3

Atlanta, Charlotte and Austin all have laws protecting a class of trees they consider to be “heritage trees; property owners must get approval for cutting them down and pay into a tree bank to offset the loss of a large trees in their communities. We feel this sets a tone that makes people more aware and respectful of the urban tree canopy. Do you approve of such legislation?

Yes, I support legislation that anyone performing Any and All work performed within 50 feet of a "heritage tree" must possess a permit issued by Metro Parks Department to avoid unsafe, hazardous and other conditions which may be detrimental or potentially detrimental to such tree.

QUESTION #4

TREES ATLANTA is considered by many to be the model for a public/private cooperative that works to protect urban tree canopy. TREES ATLANTA employees even help the city as on-site inspectors who follow up to make sure developers have complied with tree ordinances. What do you think of this model, or what would you do to strengthen the implementation and enforcement of Nashville’s tree code?

A contractor, or any other entity are looking to perform work on or within 50 feet of a tree under City jurisdiction, must obtain a Tree Work Permit fromMetro Parks prior to the start of construction, and perform all work in compliance with a Tree Protection Protocol.

QUESTION #5

How could we entice private property owners not to cut down mature trees? How can we encourage developers/builders to keep mature trees in the designing of the home and lot?

Enact legislation that mandates that trees over four feet tall or with a circumference greater than three and a half feet must have a permit acquired before it can be removed from private property. Introduce legislation where developers are required to replant cut down trees in Nashville, in addition they must replace those trees acre for acre.

QUESTION #6

Metro Nashville has just 3 employees to oversee all of Davidson County trees, while other peer cities with less tree canopy coverage have 15 to 20 employees on staff for trees. As a result, the Nashville Tree Conservation Corps has cataloged countless incidents where developers eluded complying with tree codes, the city has hundreds of hazardous trees that need to be replaced, and staff have trouble keeping up with just their everyday responsibilities. Do you support spending the money to bring us up to a par with our peer cities? If not, how will you fix this issue?

Yes, I fully support budgeting the money to bring Davidson County up to standard with our peer cities.

BONUS QUESTION FOR COUNCIL CANDIDATES

QUESTION #7

How will you work to bridge the divisions we often experience when talking about advancing tree legislation in Nashville between the community-builder dynamic? How can we advance Nashville’s livability standards while avoiding the risk of State preemption?  

a.) Encourage low-impact development that reduces impervious surfaces and positively impacts community health by using trees, low water landscape

b.) Recognize parks, public space, trees and plants as vital elements of green infrastructure and ensure that the provision of these elements keeps pace with Nashville's growth.