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Residents complain about Beach Street tree removals and delay in Shade Tree Commission meetings
Summary
Multiple residents told the council that crews removed 14 trees on Beach Street with little notice, the Shade Tree Commission has not met for months, and the borough remains out of compliance with a state watershed-related shade-tree requirement; councilors pledged to resume commission meetings and review notices.
Residents told the Rutherford Mayor and Council on Aug. 25 that recent tree removals on Beach Street and an extended lapse in Shade Tree Commission activity have undermined public trust and raised compliance concerns.
Rachel Mccastro (92 Wood Street) said 14 trees scheduled for removal on Beach Street were posted on the borough Facebook page on a Friday and cut down the following Monday, which she said did not constitute "reasonable notice" under local code. She added the Shade Tree Commission has not met since March and is not scheduled to meet until September, creating a six‑month lapse for a commission that is expected to meet monthly.
Mccastro also said Rutherford is out of compliance with a state requirement tied to watershed protections and a required shade tree ordinance; she said the borough’s deadline to adopt the ordinance was May 1, 2024. Council liaisons acknowledged the concerns and said the Shade Tree Commission meetings should resume in September. Councilman Gley (transcript: liaison) accepted responsibility for recent quorum problems caused by his new work schedule and said he expects the commission to resume regular meetings.
Councilman Guzman and others described proposed ordinance language under development that would require a permit to remove a private‑property tree and require replacement plantings or mitigation to offset lost canopy and water uptake. Officials emphasized the ordinance is complex because it regulates private property and requires careful balancing of homeowner rights and environmental objectives.
What happens next: council liaisons said they will follow up with the Shade Tree Commission and schedule meetings; staff and council members indicated they will provide clearer notice for tree work and continue working on the ordinance to bring Rutherford into compliance with state requirements.
