I received this letter representing Newton Booth Neighborhood Association's opposition to the proposed change of the tree appeals process. The process of change is being rapidly pushed along. I have a feeling there would be more opposition if there were more time, more review, or more media coverage.

Normally, I would not post this kind of letter directly. I want neighborhood associations to speak for themselves using our tools. But because time is short and there is a meeting Monday, December 8th 5:30 pm I feel I have to post this letter.

More information is here, here, and here.

Newton Booth Neighborhoods Association
P.O. Box 161466
Sacramento, CA 95816-1466
www.newtonbooth.org

December 7, 2008

The Newton Booth Neighborhoods Association (NBNA) firmly opposes moving the appeal process to remove trees from the Parks and Recreation Commission to the Planning Commission on all development related issues.

The proposed change will enable the Development Services Manager and staff to order tree removal any time a developer wants trees destroyed. The public would then have to appeal any proposed tree destruction to the Planning Commission instead of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

Planning staff and commission have no expertise in trees. This is wanton destruction of healthy trees that provide shade for all pedestrians (especially seniors, children and disabled persons) who have to move around in Sacramento's 100+ degree summer weather. These trees also provide valuable shade to buildings and helps to lower cooling costs which is important in today's climate of increasing energy costs, decreasing resources and defeats the ability for Sacramento to become a sustainable city.

Sacramento is known as “the city of trees” and we should all work to keep this phrase alive.

Sincerely, Kevin Turner
2008 NBNA Chair
krturner@jps.net