“The seventh bill before me is Introductory Number 927-A, sponsored by Council Members Oddo, Brewer, Gerson, Jackson, James, Koppell, Mark-Viverito, Gonzalez, Gennaro and Liu.  Introductory Number 927-A increases the penalties for those who unlawfully remove or damage trees within a Special Natural Area District.

“Special Natural Area Districts are areas recognized by the City’s Zoning Resolution as having unique natural beauty and topographic features that warrant special protection.  Introductory 927-A treats the unlawful removal or damage of a tree within these Districts as a major violation of the Building Code, carrying a penalty between $750 and $10,000 and expands liability beyond the owner of the property to include the individual or entity who removes or damages the tree.

“I would like to thank Department of Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe and Department of Buildings Commissioner Robert LiMandri and their staff for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation.”