Constance Smith-Burwell 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?

I, believe to better protect the existing canopy, it is very important to categorize the jurisdiction of the urban canopy under one agency vs different agencies (One-Stop-Shop). This would make the communication more efficient and effective when dealing with unexpected incidents within the Nashville Davidson County Government.

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?

Yes, I support the city’s first tree bill in over a decade in its current form. I believe it is a wonderful bill to improve the beauty, shade and health in terms of the environment.

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 do approve of legislation to protect certain classes of trees. I strongly believe that it is very important to respect the urban tree canopy that most likely reduces energy consumption due to the tree shade effects.

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?

I’m in favor of TREES ATLANTA model and any other models researched to protect urban tree canopy.

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?

We can entice private property owners not to cut down mature trees by educating and informing them the importance of mature tree canopy coverage. We can also educate and encourage developers/builders on how we as Tennesseans love and treasure mature trees in our neighborhoods. It shows the beautiful character of communities.

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, by researching and locating the funds, I would support spending the money to bring Nashville Davidson county up to par with (Atlanta, Charlotte and Austin) cities similar.

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?  

I do not have a great deal of comments or knowledge regarding tree density. However, I’m always eager to be a voice for constituents on their concerns and will work hard to bridge the divisions on advancing tree legislation between the community and builder dynamics. We can advance Nashville’s livability standards by banning together to control our own tree legislation/ordinance, make our own decisions at the local level while promoting innovation from all neighborhoods.

Also, Franklin, TN has a density of 26, it is not that significant to ask Nashville to make an increase to 22. Doing a gradual increase from 14 to 22 would make a more significant difference in cost considerations.