Zulfat Suara Speaks for the Trees…

Answered questions accepted after July 6th deadline.

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?

Trees are important to our environment. Trees enhance air and water quality and offer shades to animals, insects and human. We therefore have an obligation to protect trees and in turn the environment. In order to ensure accountability and compliance, It is important to designate a department that has the overall responsibility for regulations regrading trees. It appears from what I have read that most of the interaction with trees happened with development/building. As a result, I believe Codes should have the overall responsibility. I would also recommend that there should be regular meetings with all the departments as necessary. It is important to note that I am new to trees and tree regulations and would consider these suggestions in light of current practices once elected to determine if a better option is available.

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 the current bill in its current form. At this time, I do not support enacting tree laws for single family residence. Will defer until such bill is proposed to review the intended and unintended consequences of such bill.

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?

Section 15 of BL2018-1416 covers protection of Heritage trees via permit and permit review.

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 love the TREES ATLANTA model as it involves a not for profit organization working with community partners and government for tree preservation. I also like that their program includes adult and youth education as well as youth tree team.

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?

According to scenic.org, the following incentives can be used to encourage property owners from cutting down trees:

a. Establishing a community grant fund for replacing or planting new trees;
b. Offering developers zoning incentives such as reduced setbacks or increased density in exchange for tree preservation; and
c. Giving property tax breaks to landowners who agree to preserve their woodlands.

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.

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?  

State preemption continue to overturn the will of people in cities. It is frustrating when most of the legislators championing the preemption live outside of the cities mostly impacted. The council must continue to find ways to work with their counterparts in other cities officials across the state, to find ways to minimize or mitigate state preemption.