City Council climbs tree problems

MENSAH M. DEAN, Daily News Staff Writer deanm@phillynews.com, 215-568-8278 Posted: Tuesday, December 9, 2014, 3:01 AM

PHILADELPHIA has a problem with too many unwanted and overgrown trees, which could prove hazardous to people, a City Council committee was told yesterday.

Due to budget constraints, there is a backlog of 3,161 tree-removal requests and a backlog of 9,796 requests for tree pruning, Parks and Recreation Commissioner Michael DiBerardinis said during an information hearing convened by Council's Committee on Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

"The facts are, we are behind," said DiBerardinis, who laid the blame on the department's inadequate budget.

"To provide some historical context, at its height, during fiscal year '02 and fiscal year '03, the department's pruning and removal budget was more than it is now. Since then, these resources have been in steady decline," he said.

Cynthia Kishinchand, coordinator of East Falls Tree Tenders, a community group that cares for trees, called on Council and Mayor Nutter to come up with the funds needed to prevent dangerous trees and branches from falling on people, property and roads.

"You and the mayor share a grave responsibility to protect the well-being of your constituents, all 1.5 million of us. I am confident you will allot the necessary funds now and in the future," she said.

While falling trees pose a danger, "there's a greater hidden danger below ground, because I have experienced that," testified Southwest Philly resident Bernard Curtis, who told the committee about more than $4,400 in damage to the infrastructure of his Suffolk Place home from tree roots connected to a tree planted on a city-owned sidewalk.

"I realize that my name goes on a list and healthy trees may not be a priority for removal, but when trees create unsafe conditions or eye sores, we must take into consideration the property owner," Curtis said.

Committee Chairwoman Cindy Bass said that if the city thought of 3,000 dangerous trees as it does 3,000 armed robberies, the budget to handle the problem would be increased.

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City Council climbs tree problems