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Crafton council reduces fine in Bradford Avenue tree removal appeal to $3,840
Summary
Council granted an appeal in part in a case over an unauthorized street‑tree removal at 52 Bradford Ave., determining a violation occurred but lowering the fine from $10,000 to $3,840 (baseline $1,000 plus borough costs).
Council on Nov. 17 considered an appeal of a citation issued after removal of a borough tree in front of 52 Bradford Avenue. Solicitor Steve Corbel summarized the background and the evidence the borough had used to cite the property owner under the tree protection ordinance.
Corbel said the ordinance baseline fine for an initial violation is $1,000 and that council wanted to avoid picking an arbitrary figure; staff recommended reducing the $10,000 citation to $3,840 to reflect the baseline plus borough costs incurred in addressing the removal. A motion to grant the appeal in part and reduce the fine was made, discussed by council members who noted careful consideration of costs, and passed.
Council members and Shade Tree Commission representatives urged residents to check permits before removing trees in the borough; staff said they will send a letter with instructions to the property owner about how to pay and when.
What happens next: staff will draft and send the payment letter to the property owner; the reduced fine amount stands per council action.
