CM Jeff Syracuse 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 various urban forester positions within their respective departments have their own focus areas, but the overall goal should lend itself to synergies that should be brought together in a better coordinated way. Each department should enact their own operations changes that gives greater oversight by their respective departmental leadership, but to truly address the issue for full transparency, we should institute a citizen engaged committee that includes all the respective departments that helps ensure there is coordinated participation across all various departments and is directly engaged and influenced by the citizens who are most passionate and knowledgeable about tree issues as they arise.

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 it as a good first step. I know there are issues surrounding the overall building footprint and how that impacts the ratio of trees required as part of the development, but I’m hopeful that could be worked out and that footprint included as to help us ensure we are making up for lost tree canopy that is essential to sustainable growth and development. I believe a conversation about single family residential is worthy, especially new developments. I live in a 1950’s neighborhood that has beautiful, mature trees. I have often thought about how we can engage neighborhood organizations to be more mindful and proactive about protecting and nurturing their tree canopies as they are very much a big factor why many want to move into those established neighborhoods.

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.

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?

Either something of this nature or the citizen led committee that I reference in question #1. Bottom line is there should be some level of oversight to ensure compliance as this is an area that unfortunately could be easily looked over. It needs to be a priority and given the proper oversight.

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?

I see too many tree businesses topping mature trees. Grassroots community education for neighborhood organizations would hopefully help. As mentioned in question #2, if we need stronger regulations for new single family neighborhoods, then that should be explored. Perhaps greater participation from urban foresters in the Planning process needs to occur.

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 do. It of course is part of a broader issues we’re facing in Metro government where most of our departments have not fully recovered from the Great Recession when we cut the resources in departments and salaries have not kept up to recruit and retain the best and brightest. This is an area that needs to be included in the overall strategy for how we’re going to strengthen our employee support and resources needed within departments.

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?  

There is growing unrest about the rate of growth we’re experiencing in Nashville and the lack of focus on managing that growth. It’s incumbent on elected leaders to ensure we enact policies that protect our quality of life and support neighborhoods. We need Council Members who will promise and live up to a policy of engaging neighbors early in the process of development proposals. Groups like Tree Conservation Corps need to hold local elected officials accountable for ensuring they’re representing everyone equally and give greater attention to the needs of ensuring quality of life in our neighborhoods. As far as helping to protect a healthy tree canopy in established neighborhoods, perhaps a program that is supported by the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhoods can “go on the road” across the county help educate neighbors and help direct resources however possible. Perhaps a program from tree advocacy non-profits that highlights and supports those companies that take great care of trees rather than topping them and not trimming them without care and attention to the health of the tree.