Emily Benedict 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?

These disasters were a big and unacceptable miss. There are already monthly meetings that bring these departments together, however I think it is time to have more council oversight. One councilmember should be present at these meetings so there is accountability to prevent these mistakes from happening in the future. We need to have a transparent and accountable government so this never happens again. 

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 look forward to the public hearing on July 2 so I can understand more about the community’s concerns about the bill. I definitely believe we should have emphasis on residential tree concerns as well as in commercial developments. I do think commercial and multi-family developments should take precedence because, on average, they tend to have a larger negative impact as compared to single- or double-occupancy residential lots.

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?

I approve of this and would sponsor this legislation.

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?

TREES ATLANTA has done a superb job building their programs over the past 30 years. With the rapid development Nashville-Davidson County has had in our recent past, we need to play catch up. In District 7, we have an excellent Beautification and Environment Commission Member who has engaged with outside organizations to educate the constituents. I would seek input from that Commission to determine how we could best improve the enforcement of our tree code, up to and including a public/private partnership. I would also consider input from industry leaders, including at least a conversation with the leadership of TREES ATLANTA. If they are doing something right, then we need to consider it.

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 should start with building awareness, which should include explaining the types of trees that need specific attention and which trees could be removed, for instance what one should do with a mature Bradford pear tree. Regarding developers and builders, a financial consequence is likely the best method for this crowd as they are influenced by profit. Perhaps we should have a fine for cutting down mature trees; the dollar amount would be higher based on the size, and the cumulative amount cut down over a defined time period. We should also publicize developers who lead on protecting our heritage and large trees, highlighting that it can be done even while creating the city’s needed housing density. I still don’t think people understand the big issue we are facing. The ideas outlined in #3 above are excellent for heritage trees.

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?

Finding revenue streams to support enforcement of this and competing concerns that need oversight is a challenge currently. Until Nashville-Davidson County can find additional sources of revenue, I do not think we can support funding for this. Instead, I would like to continue to build awareness through the leaders in our neighborhoods that can, in turn, carry the message to their neighbors. Partnering with our Beautification and Environment Commission Members is one way to partner with the community in the interim. I would also seek support from NTCC to keep me up to date with the countless incidents. It is important that the community receives transparent information so they can participate in the development of their neighborhoods.

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?  

District 7 needs a visionary councilperson who will bring developers together with the community to lead us towards an equitable and sustainable future. I’m committed to equity in all forms, and in sustaining Nashville’s way of life. This includes protecting our environment while we balance our need for urban density. We can do both of these things, and in a responsible manner. We need leaders who can hold all sides accountable for what our neighborhood, city, and county need, both now and in the future. This includes empowering our leaders and our community with holistic information that is actionable, through legislation and/or through public/private oversight.