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City updates tree ordinance and approves right‑of‑way abandonments in Sunland/Caldwell area
Summary
Council approved clarifying amendments to the tree preservation and maintenance ordinance to strengthen enforcement language after adding a third arborist, and approved requests to abandon small parcels of right of way along Sunland Drive and Caldwell Road (resolutions 7317 and 7318).
Brookhaven council on July 22 approved amendments to the city’s tree preservation and maintenance code and separately approved property right‑of‑way abandonment requests in the Sunland/Caldwell area.
City staff said the ordinance changes (presented as PA 2053 / proposed amendments to Chapter 14) clarify definitions and enforcement provisions after the arborist team increased in capacity; staff said the modifications are intended to reduce legal challenges while not changing the ordinance’s substantive intent. The staff presentation noted language edits (deletion of an editorial markup) and asked the council to open public comment.
Resident Rodney (Ronnie) Mayer urged stronger follow‑through after new building permits, saying trees are being removed on private lots and not replaced or watered, and stressed the need for city inspections after CO issuance. Council members acknowledged the comments and then voted to approve Ordinance ID 7263 by voice vote.
On related land‑use matters, staff recommended and council approved conditional abandonment of portions of right of way at properties including 1324 Sunland Drive and 2598 Caldwell (Resolutions 7317 and 7318), finding the requests met zoning ordinance requirements.
All items were approved by voice vote; staff said further updates to the tree preservation and maintenance process would continue.
