MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION
INCREASING FINES FOR ILLEGAL POSTERING ON TREES

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Law

“The next bill before me is Introductory Number 240-A sponsored by Council Members Weprin, Comrie, DeBlasio, Dilan, Gerson, Jackson, McMahon, Nelson, Recchia, Rivera, Sears, Boyland, Provenzano and Quinn.  This bill amends the Administrative Code in relation to unlawful posting.

“Throughout the City there are approximately 500,000 trees lining our streets.  Of great concern to the City are illegal postings that are affixed to trees in a manner that cause them irreversible damage.  The damage occurs when posters are affixed to trees by means of nailing or piercing with instruments such as staple guns, screw guns, hammers and other tools that cause injuries to the important tissues just beneath the bark.  This damage can provide entry to insects and disease causing organisms.  Once injured, a tree can never repair the injury sustained or regain healthy tissue at that location.  Our goal is to give every tree a chance to live long enough to provide the benefits, including air pollution reduction and shade from the hot summer sun, that larger, mature trees provide us.

“Intro. 240-A imposes an additional fine equal to the amount of the penalty currently administered for illegal posting.  The $75 fine for a poster law violation will double to $150 when an individual or entity is found to have nailed or pierced a tree while in the process of posting.  Intro. 240-A enhances the City’s enforcement efforts against illegal postings, while ensuring the protection of the trees that contribute to the quality of life in the City.”