You know, I've never really loved trees. I mean they are expensive when you're landscaping, never seem to prune the way you really intended, and in most cases they leave a mess of leaves, sap, and so on in your yard and on your car. That being said, if I were a Lancaster city representative I would certainly overlook those issues and consider becoming a Druid. Yes, a tree hugging, weird robe wearing, chant loving Druid! "Why" you may ask? Because under consideration of Lancaster's current tree ordinances there is some ambiguity associated with the Eastern Red Cedar. A local TREE that grows almost wildly throughout the area. Confused with regular cedar trees, the Eastern Red is actually considered by some to be a scrub instead of a tree. At least, that's what the builders and especially the developers want you to think. The reason? Tree mitigation as it relates to heavily wooded areas that require clearing for development. Not only does the developer have to encumber the expense of clearing such growth but if a city holds its ground and proclaims that the Eastern Red is indeed a tree and not a scrub, the developer is forced to PAY the city based on the total diameter volume of the intended trees to be cleared. Imagine, the city being paid (per lot) for the open space requirements (usually 500.00 per lot/ approx. 300 in Lancaster), they'd have to pay for impact fees per lot ( usually 1500.00/ approx 1200 in Lancaster ), and now with tree mitigation off the table ( untold $ based on the volume of Easter Reds on the property )
Of course, it's important that the city pay close attention to those that may cut and clear before presenting a preliminary plat. Scum that would do such a thing behind the vail of a large development are clearly deserving of aggressive enforcement and a careful eye. After all, we have to save our trees.
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