Community pleads for urgent financial relief from tree removal costs

During a recent government meeting, representatives from Baywood Village expressed urgent concerns regarding financial relief for tree removal and replacement due to the Ganoderma disease affecting local trees. A spokesperson highlighted that the village has already spent $53,000 on tree removals, with $29,000 allocated in 2023 alone, emphasizing the ongoing financial strain on the community.

The representative urged officials to consider retroactive measures for open permits related to tree removals, arguing that current policies do not adequately support communities facing significant costs. They proposed allowing multiple permits to be combined within a twelve-month period for similar issues, such as the removal of diseased trees. This change would enable the village to better manage expenses, particularly as they face the potential for additional tree removals.

The spokesperson also suggested revising the canopy replacement requirements, advocating for a more reasonable one-for-one replacement policy, plus an additional tree, rather than the current expectation of replacing multiple trees for each one removed. They acknowledged the efforts of local officials but stressed that more flexibility is needed to effectively address the financial burdens faced by communities like Baywood Village.