During a recent council meeting, a passionate plea was made to reject the tree protection provisions of the omnibus bill, highlighting significant concerns regarding the ongoing loss of mature trees in residential areas. The speaker, referencing the tree protection ordinance passed in May 2023, criticized the current bill for failing to address the promised fixes to the issues identified by committee members.

The speaker emphasized that tree removals have accelerated since the ordinance's implementation, particularly in areas zoned as Residential Small Lots (RSL), which offer minimal protection for trees. Citing specific examples, the speaker pointed out that neighborhoods like South Park, which has only 12% tree canopy, are particularly vulnerable. In Columbia City, an RSL area with 22% tree cover, a recent property sale to a developer raised alarms as plans were revealed to clear-cut several large trees to make way for new construction.

The developer's proposal includes demolishing a single-family home and replacing it with seven cottages, which would eliminate four tier 2 trees and one tier 3 tree, some of which are over 30 inches in diameter. The speaker argued that alternatives exist that could allow for increased housing density while preserving these trees, but current regulations do not mandate developers to explore such options.

The potential approval of this construction permit by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) could lead to a significant loss of environmental benefits provided by the trees, raising concerns about prioritizing private development over community and ecological well-being. The discussion underscores the ongoing tension between urban development and environmental conservation in the city.