Representative Sherry Jones 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?

First of all, the Convention and Visitors Commission Board should not be able to cut any tree. Tree cutting should go along with plans that the Planning Commission approves and the Council passes for new builds and remodeling. I am a strong advocate for trees and do not want to see any of them cut down. I was appalled by the Ft. Negley situation and the cherry trees were really the last straw. I know some trees have to go but they should be exceptions. Obviously, there needs to be a better set of rules for cutting and that is something in which I would be happy to have your group have some say.

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?

We must be careful when we talk about not letting people do with their private properties what they want. Although when I see neighbors cutting trees completely down for no apparent reason, I believe that I may be mistaken about private property. I want to preserve all the trees I can and I don’t know why others don’t. It can never hurt to re-visit an ordinance and bring it up to date. Private business properties are usually in a commercial zoning and we just need to put good laws in place.

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 would be happy to look at these other ordinances and use them to better Nashville and protect our trees and environment.

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 liked what I read about TREES ATLANTA. I would like to be part of starting an organization like it here in Nashville. We could pass legislation to set up an entity or put something in place for a non profit. We could then ask for corporate sponsors to start it in addition to some Metro funding.

I agree that someone needs to follow up with developers to be sure they comply with the approved plans and legislation should be developed. Commercial properties should always have trees as well as industrial properties too. What is a house without a tree?!

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?

As far as private property owners, if we are speaking of residential, my thought would be financial help with topping and trimming trees. That is very expensive and cutting may be the cheapest way to “fix” a problem with a tree. If it’s a private company it is probably is a commercial area so we just need to set up laws to “help” people comply. We also need to look at historic issues to keep 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?

Yes, I feel that is in order. That’s where TREES NASHVILLE can come into play.

BONUS QUESTION FOR MAYORAL CANDIDATES

QUESTION #7

Is the current zoning board well balanced in terms of competing interests (i.e. environmental, developer, new revenue interests, etc.). And, if not, what would you look for in new appointees?

I know this is a mayoral question but I’d like to address this issue also. As a former Metro Planning Commissioner elected from the Council, I know that the Planning Commission should not be developer heavy. Let’s be fair!

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 believe discussions should involve advocates for a better tree canopy not just developers, the Chamber and elected officials. If I’m elected, I hope your group will contact me.