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Melbourne Beach staff to workshop environmental board’s draft tree policy after resident complaints
Summary
Town staff reported that several older oaks were removed under permit at a Riverview site and residents have expressed concern; the Planning & Zoning board agreed to hold a nonvoting workshop with the Environmental Advisory Board to review a draft native-tree/landscaping policy and to collect public input.
Town staff told the Planning & Zoning board on May 5 that a permitted clearing at a Riverview property removed several old oak trees and that residents have contacted the town seeking a review of tree and native-plant policy.
"There was a renewed interest in moving that forward," the town manager said, noting that the Environmental Advisory Board has drafted a policy on tree protection and native-plant landscaping. Board members agreed they would prefer to discuss the draft in a workshop setting before considering any ordinance changes during a formal meeting so the public and EAB members can participate without votes being taken.
Members debated workshop timing and logistics, with staff asked to poll members and EAB participants for availability and to circulate the draft policy in advance. The board emphasized that a workshop would be informational only; any policy or ordinance changes would require a formal agenda item and a vote at a later meeting.
Next steps Staff will circulate the EAB draft and poll members for workshop dates (a tentative target of May 18 was discussed). If legal or ordinance questions arise during the workshop, staff will compile them for the town attorney or engineer to review.
