Since the topic has been a hot one lately, QC thought we would offer our tips for saving street trees from developers' chainsaws.1) If you think a street tree is in danger, take a photo of it. This will serve as a "before" photo, a valuable piece of evidence.
2) If you see workers cutting down a tree illegally, don't call 311. Call the borough's forestry office at (718) 699-4289. These are Parks Police Officers, they have the power of arrest and will be dispatched to the scene.
3) Write down the name and address of the contractor removing the tree, if available, (it may be on the construction fence or truck) and take a photo of the crime in progress. The officers will use these to track down the offenders if they have left the scene.
4) You may be asked to sign an affidavit of what you saw if the perpetrators were gone upon the officers' arrival. Your name does not appear on it and you just have to sign your initials. The officers will visit you at home, you won't even have to go to their headquarters. This will be used in court. You may also be asked to testify in person, but this very rarely happens because the developer doesn't bother to fight the fine.
3 comments:
Thanks for posting the tree saving info! That's exactly what we did. It's effective. Always take a photo and take notes. It's easier with camera phones now. Each citizen becomes the eyes and ears of his neighborhood. We've all got to do our part because there are no guardian angels out there, just me and you!
It might be a good idea for the newspapers run a series of articles on this, and perhaps, for our city council to pass some tougher legislation.
Perhaps the Queens Civic Congress might want to do something about this, too.
Thanks for the very useful info on this continuing problem. I have posted this on my blog with a link to yours.
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